John Kendall was a leader in bringing the Suzuki Method to the United States. In 1955 he was presented with a grant to travel to Japan to meet Shinichi Suzuki and translate his ideas and teachings into a strong philosophy and pedagogy for violin teachers around the U.S.

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. There is a Suzuki preschool, and the body of literature for Suzuki Parent Education continues to grow.

John Kendall directed the SIUE program until his retirement in 1994.