Hearing of Dr. Suzuki

I'm at the Suzuki Conference in Minneapolis surrounded by esteemed, even legendary Suzuki pedagogues.

There are many great ideas being shared, interesting talks and presentations, both practical and theoretical.  But perhaps the most striking thing so far has been an informal discussion between members of the Reunig family some of the first teachers to embrace Suzuki in America.  They knew Dr. Suzuki well, and their daughter, five at the time Suzuki first came to America, became one of the first guinea pigs.  It was wonderful to hear them speak so openly and comfortably in front of a large audience that only seemed to make them feel warmer.  As the mother, Joan, said at one point, this was their family.  It is beautiful to see the lineage of love that has been strung in this community, to see the generations of teachers and family members dedicated and passionate about sharing the gift of music with children.

Carrie, one of the children of the family, helped moderate the discussion, and shared her experience, something very rare, of what it was like to be a student with Dr. Suzuki.  She shared the feeling of working with him, as she had many occasions to do.  She said she was never nervous with him, that there was a real safety with him, that she was completely taken care of.  She said she felt really seen and known by him, as though there was a real soul to soul connection. "He presented a potential that he could see in me.....he held out a bridge for me, on which I just needed to take a step closer to that potential....I had a feeling of respect for myself and confidence in myself....he had a vision to give this feeling to every child."

Just as recordings cannot really replace a live performance, hearing these words from someone who lived them and experienced the life energy of such an incredible person has no replacement in written or even recorded anecdote.  Ideas are so accessible in this world, and yet this sort of experience still has a value that nothing else can touch.  Presence is irreplaceable.  And yet, we were able to hear and experience Dr. Suzuki through their words and they way they shared them.  We are able to transmit something.

Dr. Suzuki said to the Reunig parents, "Surround your children with wonderful people."  How wonderful to be such a child.