The New Zealand Suzuki Institute is a not-for-profit association for students and teachers learning and teaching through the Suzuki Method™. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed this method of teaching children to play the violin in Japan in the twentieth century. The method has since been extended to include many more instruments.  Here in Aotearoa, New Zealand we have qualified Suzuki teachers across the country teaching violin, cello, piano, flute and guitar, with some teachers offering Suzuki Early Childhood Music classes.

The Suzuki Method is a world-recognised method for teaching children to learn to play music.  It is based on the belief that every child can, where all children possess innate ability and this ability can be developed and enhanced through a nurturing environment. The Suzuki Method combines instrumental teaching with a philosophy embracing the total development of the child.  The triangle of parent, teacher and child creates a community of learning and sharing, nurturing happy and successful future world citizens through music.

The Suzuki Trademark:

Suzuki™ is a Trademark licensed from the International Suzuki Association (ISA). Registered and licensed Suzuki Method™ teachers:

• Have completed at least two accredited courses of specialist Suzuki teacher training, and;
• Have a current license to use the name ‘Suzuki’ to describe their teaching. This is given by current financial membership of the New Zealand Suzuki Institute, and;
• Meet ongoing professional development requirements.

Use of the Suzuki™ name:

• Use of the Suzuki™ name is licensed from the ISA to each Regional Association (PPSA)
• Teacher membership of a member Association of the PPSA entitles a teacher to use the Suzuki™
• Teachers who are not members of a member Association of the PPSA are not entitled to use the Suzuki™ name

ISA Announcement (March 2025)

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ISA CONCERNING UNAUTHORIZED ONLINE POSTINGS BY TONEBASE

The International Suzuki Association and its ISA Instrument Committees are not responsible nor endorse the content of the newly posted Suzuki Violin & Cello School online teaching courses from the company tonebase. The ISA was not requested nor did it approve any license or use of its trademark by tonebase for these online courses. Exclusive copyright assigned by Dr. Suzuki and owned by the ISA does not permit any reproduction of the Suzuki Violin or Cello School nor any copyrighted material without the ISA’s explicit permission.

Please be advised that the ISA is actively investigating this unauthorized usage by tonebase. The ISA thanks its teacher members for their diligence to the integrity of the Suzuki Method.