Ability Development from Age Zero (Suzuki Method International) [Paperback]

Shinichi Suzuki (Author), Mary Louise Nagata (Composer)

Book Description

Series: Suzuki Method International

Recommended for parents of Suzuki Method(R) students. In this sequel to Nurtured by Love, Dr. Suzuki states that "the fate of the child is in the hands of his parents." With this book he shows how to create a warm environment which will encourage any child to become a happy, loving and talented human being.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Birch Tree Group Ltd (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874875803
• ISBN-13: 978-0874875805
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Japanese

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, although weaker than "Nurtured by Love", January 20, 2003

By 

Gene Zafrin (Sleepy Hollow, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Ability Development from Age Zero (Suzuki Method International) (Paperback)

This book is similar in message to Suzuki's earlier book, "Nurtured by love". Suzuki-humanist and philosopher is more evident here than in that other book. Praise from the parent, developing child's concentration and setting fun tasks that can be accomplished are some of advises on rearing children. Suzuki strongly believes that the real education is at home and therefore advocates for parents' self-reflecting: you reap what you saw, therefore you should strive to be a fine person yourself to raise fine children.

As in "Nurtured by love", some of the life philosophy sounds a bit out of place: "act quickly on what you think", while an excellent advice, should have been tied in with the rest of the book. The same goes for other maxims, such as "do not cheat yourself". Both "Nurtured by Love" and "Ability Development" suffer from the lack of directed studies and critical analysis of much that Suzuki postulates. Intuitively though, his theories sound very appealing, while the great optimism and love for children shine through the imperfections of the books.

The book reads like a somewhat watered-down version of "Nurtured by Love", which I would recommend instead of this one.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every parent!, February 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ability Development from Age Zero (Suzuki Method International) (Paperback)

I read this book thinking it would give me information about my son starting Suzuki violin. Instead, it spoke only briefly about music lessons, and quite a bit about parenting and nuturing children. I loved Sukuki's thoughts about how important it is to be a good role model for your child. So many parents forget this. This book is easy to read in a weekend. I have gone back to it numerous times. I recommend it to every parent.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Read!, August 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ability Development from Age Zero (Suzuki Method International) (Paperback)

Wow! After having read this book, I am truly becoming a better parent and person. Suzuki gives practical sound advice on how to improve yourself and live a beautiful life. I was surprised to get so much out of a book that I thought was going to talk about teaching music to a child. Instead, it changed my life.