Merit School of Music to Send 18 Suzuki-Alegre Strings Students to Suzuki World Convention in Japan

The Suzuki method was developed more than 50 years ago in Matsumoto, Japan by violinist Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. The cornerstone of the Suzuki method is that children can learn music in much the same way they learn to speak their native language - through listening, imitation and repetition in a caring and supportive environment. Another key ingredient is the belief in every child's innate ability to learn, perform and succeed. Throughout the world there are more than 400,000 Suzuki students studying in 46 countries and regions.

In addition to participating in the convention, Merit's students will spend two days in Tokyo, where they will enjoy seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom. In Matsumoto, their itinerary includes visits to Matsumoto Castle and Suzuki Memorial Hall, and tours of Dr. Suzuki's home and the school in which his method originated.

The 16th World Suzuki Method Convention is sponsored by the Talent Education Research Institute. The convention theme is "The World will be One, Joined Together by Children Making Music." For more information, visit http://www.suzukimethod.or.jp/indexE.html

Merit School of Music, www.meritmusic.org, is a non-profit community music school providing high-quality classical music education to more than 6,000 Chicago-area students, from newborns to age 18. Founded in 1979, Merit transforms the lives of Chicago-area youth by providing the highest quality music education - with a focus on underserved communities - inspiring young people to achieve their full musical and personal potential. Merit's esteemed faculty teaches a continuum of instrumental programs leading to the Alice C. Pfaelzer Tuition-Free Conservatory for the most advanced and motivated young musicians.

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