Dr. Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and educator believed that every child if properly taught was capable of a high level of musical achievement. He also made it clear that the goal of such musical education was to raise generations of children with "noble hearts". There is emphasis on playing from a very young age. The parent of the young student is involved. The teachers are trained and certified in the Suzuki method. It emphasizes learning music by ear which follows Dr. Suzuki's observation that a child learns to speak before he learns to read. The method encourages regular playing in groups and frequent public performance so performing becomes natural and enjoyable.