I always knew I wouldn’t be teaching my own children the violin. Practice helper at home? I’m all in. But, being the teacher? No, thanks. I wanted to have someone in my corner. Someone I could reach out to for advice, and help on this journey. And, it doesn’t hurt to be able to say, […]
Teaching Tools
PVT Small Shifts Series: Energy Matching
This is part of a new series about subtle changes we have made that have made a big difference in our teaching. I used to think that the key to getting a child to change their behavior was to model it–to the extreme. A very wiggly, distracted kid needed me to be be calm and […]
One Point Lessons…
I have heard from so many amazing teacher trainers about the importance of a one point lesson. I have nodded, and enthusiastically written “Only one thing in the lesson!” in my notes. Then, I go home, look at my students, and think, “How? Let’s do a five point lesson instead.” When you have spent years […]
Five Violin Teaching Tips, Tricks, and Resources I’m Loving This Week — August 25, 2017
Hello friends! Long time no see! I’ve been taking it easy this summer, recovering from some major teacher burnout. (More on this later, I promise.) I’m so excited to be back on the blog lately, and after two Suzuki institutes this summer (ISSI and ASI), I am feeling more and more dedicated to my work […]
Why I Totally Changed Suzuki Parent Education in My Studio…
And How Automation Keeps Me Sane… In recent years, I have begun to realize how much power I have to create the culture and community in my Suzuki violin studio. Any “issues” or “frustrations” I have had with parents or students, if I look hard enough, I can trace back to my own actions. And, […]
Are You Using this Free Music Teaching Business Tool?
How to Use Evernote to Streamline your Music Teaching Business and Become Hyper-Productive… It seems like everyone is using Evernote, but what’s the big deal? Why are there so many blog posts and podcasts about a simple note-taking app? I’ve been a long time Evernote user, but only recently have I really explored its true […]
How to Boost Your Practice Time Productivity
Use this simple tool to keep yourself accountable and motivated to get things done! Image Credit Sometimes I have a hard time concentrating when I practice. A really hard time. I generally have issues concentrating, and those are exacerbated when I sit down to practice violin efficiently. (It truly is a miracle I’ve made it […]
Are You Forgetting this Important Music Teaching Tool?
How to rewire your music students’ brains in ten words or less… I enjoy folding my babies’ laundry. I love the teeny socks and sleepers. I love thinking about the kissable little feet that go in those socks, and the sweet cuddles from little ones in those sleepers. This was not always the case. […]