A central belief of Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki, based on his observation of children speaking their native languages, is that all people can (and will) learn from their environment. The essential components of his method spring from the desire to create the "right environment" for learning music - he believed that this positive environment would also help to foster excellent character in every student.

Logistically, the Suzuki Method differs from “traditional” study in that parent attendance and involvement is needed in lessons and daily practice. Parents also ensure that the children listen to recordings of their pieces regularly so that their ears are musically trained. Since the parents are so involved and reading is not necessary for beginning students, children can start even earlier than in traditional methods, often between the ages of 3 and 5.