Shinichi Suzuki traveled around the world advocating for the adoption of his revolutionary philosophy that respected the value of every child and parent. His writings emphasize that as adults, we have the responsibility to create an environment for all children to thrive and succeed. Suzuki hoped that through this manner of nurturing and teaching we would change the world. As he put it so neatly: 

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“A new world begins with a young child.”

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The world Suzuki lived through was not all beautiful. The racism against Japanese people during and after World War II as well as the staggering poverty and loss in his home country of Japan surely weighed on him. Even having witnessed these injustices and atrocities, he trained teachers and students worldwide with such love and kindness.

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The newest wave of protests and calls to action in response to the police brutality and systemic racism in our country highlights the need for us - as torch-bearers of Suzuki’s lifelong dream of world peace and equality - to reaffirm that Black lives matter.

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The Board understands that the Suzuki community of Massachusetts, on the whole, does not adequately reflect the diversity of our area. We are actively pursuing initiatives to encourage and create more inclusion and diversity in our events (both for students and teachers), and offer scholarships to students of color. Black, Latinx and indigenous children in Massachusetts deserve equal access to Suzuki music education. We know that “every child can,” and want to make that possible for our whole community. 

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As a member of Suzuki:MA, your perspective on diversity and inclusion is needed and appreciated. We especially welcome voices of color to help us reach people of all backgrounds with Suzuki’s philosophy of love and beauty through music. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Board to say hello, share a story, connect us with a resource or offer your help!

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