It’s been about six weeks since all of my violin teaching has moved online. Like so many others, I have had to learn a lot very quickly. In many ways, it has gone really well. I get to see all of my favorite little violinists every week! They are all making progress. If I had […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast, Ep. 15: Mia Bleu, violinist from Utah
Brecklyn talks to Mia Bleu about performing for her stuffed animals and the importance of stretch breaks. Listening suggestion: Chris Thile, Bach Sonatas and Partitas Practice suggestion: Break it up. Smaller sessions throughout the day. Brecklyn Ferrin teaches Suzuki violin lessons and Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes in Kaysville, Farmington, and Salt Lake City, Utah. […]
Helping Students Handle Disappointment Over Cancelled Musical Events
As an extrovert, I live for opportunities to interact with my students, friends, and colleagues. Attending summer institutes each summer is one of the highlights of my entire year. This year I was planning to take my 7 year old violinist for his second time, and my five year old cellist for his first time. […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Ep. 14: Rita, Violinist from Italy
Brecklyn talks to Rita about the difficulty of starting something new and the pride of accomplishing it. Practice Suggestion: Isolate the rhythm. Practice the rhythm on one note or string. Listening Suggestion: Little Women soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat Here’s a link to Rita, Martin, & Emily’s family band on Youtube! McKenzie Clawson is a Suzuki […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast, Ep. 13: Della, Violinist from Wisconsin
Brecklyn talks to Della about fun practice games and learning O Come Little Children on her own. McKenzie Clawson is a Suzuki violin teacher in Kaysville, Utah. She is a Suzuki parent of one 5 year old violinist, a 3 year old, and an Australian shepherd. Brecklyn Ferrin teaches Suzuki violin lessons and Suzuki Early […]
I Wonder What Mistakes I’ll Make…
A couple weeks ago, just a few days after we got the news that school would close for the foreseeable future, I was practicing with my daughter. She had practiced accented bows on open strings and on a scale for several days and it was time to try to add them to Allegretto in Suzuki […]
#musicalkidsinquarantine and Other Resources
Have you seen the videos of quarantined Italians singing from their balconies and windows? I have been so inspired. In times of increased community anxiety, music has always healed hearts and soothed spirits. There is something especially powerful about live music shared with others. It is such a pure, loving gift to those around you. […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Ep. 12: Martin and Emily, Violinists from Italy
Brecklyn talks to Martin and Emily about their Suzuki community in Italy. Practice Suggestion: Use your review pieces to grow new technique. Listening Suggestion: 30 Before 20: Masterworks by Teenagers
Suzuki for Teen and Adult Beginners
When I started Suzuki teacher training, most of the training was focused on very young beginners. My incredible teacher trainers gave me so much information that was applicable to any age, but it took me some trial and error to tailor it to an older beginner. I really believe that the Suzuki teaching philosophy applies […]
SPP, Ep. 11: Vivian, Violinist from Utah
Brecklyn talks to Vivian about the power of musical friends, her incredible practice streak, and recording lessons. Listening Suggestion: Die 12 Cellisten der Berlin Philharmoniker Practice Suggestion: Use a training clicker.