The Powerful Character Lessons Learned From Dr. King and Dr. Suzuki
The powerful character lessons learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki continue to be more important than ever.
So, we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday this weekend.
We remember that he had a dream that all people could live respectfully and peacefully with each other.
Dr. Suzuki had a similar dream for all parent and their children around the world.
Our Character Really Does Define Us
Dr. King and Dr. Suzuki knew that our character really defines us as human beings.
Moreover, parents are responsible for raising their children to have fine character.
They believed that the concept of racial superiority was detrimental to all society.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, racism is taught.
A baby as young as three month old can recognize the differences in people’s skin tone.
Therefore, as parents and teachers, we must take on the task of teaching children to look at a person’s character and not just their color.
The Suzuki philosophy of teaching encourages repeating the skill until it is mastered.
We must repeat this lesson consistently until they become part of our children’s character (and our own, for that matter.)
If we do not teach these lessons, then the concept of racial superiority will continue to “raise its ugly head”.
Sadly, Dr. King’s dream for all people could continue to languish.
A Powerful Character Lesson Learned From Dr. King’s Dream
Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” address in 1963 in Washington, DC.
In that address, he encouraged those attending to understand that violence would not win the day for them.
But, rather they should “conduct their thirst for freedom on the high plane of dignity and discipline”.
Dr. King went on to say that only when white people and people of color (POC) stand together will there be progress in their lives.
He dreamed of ALL people living and working together with love and respect for each other.
However, I believe that the most poignant moment in his message was when Dr. King spoke of his children.
He said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
So, let’s be a part of transforming our world into the one about which Dr. King and so many others have dreamed.
Let’s raise our children with the powerful lessons to have fine character and look for the same fine character in others.
Dr. King had devoted his entire life to making this dream come true. He continued to do so until his life was taken from us too soon.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Powerful Character Lesson Learned From Dr. Suzuki’s Dream
Dr. Suzuki believed that “ability can be developed in a child of any race. In the future, there will come a time when man will not ask what race a child is, but will think of humanity as a whole. I believe that the foolish parts of human history were often due to racial prejudice.” (p.26, Ability Development Form Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki)
Dr. Suzuki also had a dream that: “all children on this globe may become fine human beings, happy people of superior ability, and I (Dr. Suzuki) am devoting all my energies to making this come about, for I am convinced that all children are born with this potential.” (p. 87, Nurtured By Love by Shinichi Suzuki)
Suzuki grew up in a home and school with the motto, “Character First, Ability Second”.
Accordingly, that ought to be the motto for all of us.
Dr. Suzuki insisted that a student develop fine character.
Because he was a violinist, he taught that through the vehicle of music.
One of the hallmarks of the Suzuki philosophy of teaching is the parent is directly involved with their child’s study of the instrument.
For example, parents attend lessons, learn to play the instrument first, and act as the “home” teacher.
Parent and child are learning together. As a result, music becomes important to the entire family.
Most importantly, families are developing fine character through working together and making the music a part of who they are.
Dr. Suzuki also advocated for teaching with love, encouragement, and respect.
“Ability can be developed in a child of any race. In the future, there will come a time when man will not ask what race a child is, but will think of humanity as a whole.”
Shinichi Suzuki
For the Sake of Our Children
To this end, parents, teachers, and all those involved with our children must help raise them to judge others by the content of their character and NOT the color of their skin.
We must keep the dreams of Dr. King, Dr Suzuki, and so many others alive in our hearts and minds.
They worked for a better future for all of us. We must do the same for our children with love and respect.
Character Lessons Learned in Suzuki Early Childhood Education
Parents and babies can learn many lessons from Suzuki ECE Baby Class.
So, the activities guide parents and their babies to master a variety of skills.
They are also skills that every child needs to grow into a kind, responsible adult.
Through the musical activities, babies learn to develop their language, math, and reasoning skills.
They also learn mental and physical skills. Yet, others contribute to their social, emotional, and personal growth development.
All of the Baby Class activities can help children to grow into people who can focus, concentrate and make wise decisions.
Therefore, as parents and teachers, we must make sure they develop excellent abilities and beautiful hearts.
“Teaching music is not my main goal. I want to make good citizen. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
Shinichi Suzuki
Dr. Suzuki never intended for his music education method to just create fine musicians.
His main goal was for parents, babies, and children to learn to have beautiful hearts through music.
“Your Musical Baby” Class ONLINE
That is my main goal for you and your baby/toddler as well.
In the “Your Musical Baby” Class ONLINE, I guide parents and children into a deeper relationship with each other, develop fine character, high abilities, and beautiful hearts.
In fact, I like to call it the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey”.
I invite you to find out all about “Your Musical Baby” Class ONLINE right HERE.
I look forward to seeing you and your child in the next class!
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