As the Suzuki method of music instruction has spread from Japan to other countries, its methods have been modified to adapt to the culture of those countries. In this paper the Japanese cultural background, and the principles and methods developed in Japan are discussed and compared with the adaptations made in the United States. The Suzuki method is grounded in the Japanese mother-child relationship. Japanese culture has traditionally stressed early exposure to the arts, the importance of motivating the child, lengthy practice sessions, the use of role models, encouragement, and the development of a supportive group environment. For the Suzuki method in Japan, this has meant playing recordings of the music and having the child observe classes before participating, teaching the mother before the child, group teaching, and teaching by ear. In the United States motivation is viewed as more individualized, mothers are less involved in children's activities, children are less willing to practice for lengthy sessions, novelty is valued more than repetition, and music instruction has traditionally emphasized individualized instruction and reading musical scores. Because of these differences, the Suzuki method in the United States has moved from its original methods toward methods that accord with American cultural practices. (IS)