John D. Kendall (August 30, 1917 – January 6, 2011) was a leader in bringing the Suzuki Method to the United States.
[1] In 1959 he was presented with a grant to travel to Japan to meet Shinichi Suzuki and translate his ideas and teachings into a philosophy and pedagogy for violin teachers around the U.S. An internationally acclaimed string pedagogue, Mr. Kendall taught violin at the college level for more than 50 years and was largely responsible for bringing the Suzuki Method to the United States.
A 1997 news article quoted Carol Smith, a colleague of John Kendall, as saying "It took someone with incredible energy, charisma, and communication skills to spread the word about the Suzuki method.
Currently, it is estimated that more than 350,000 children are learning according to Suzuki principles on violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, flute, recorder, harp and bass.
Suzuki Association of the Americas: "John Kendall passed away on January 6, 2011 at the age of 93.