I have a DD8 who has been in a Suzuki violin program since she was 3, and my DS3 just started violin in September. I'm a bit puzzled about the "waiting" several people have referred to. Both of my kids had their instruments in hand from the first day of lessons. Our teacher is from Japan and is certainly not a maverick in this regard. If the teachers are suggesting that the children only listen and watch, I would start looking for a new Suzuki teacher.