You may be surprised by my answer, and not long ago, I would have been too. I would have said, “Absolutely not. I will not let my children switch instruments.” My reasons for this stance were good. And to some extent, I stand behind them still. I didn’t (and still don’t) want my children to […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 6: Audrey, violinist from North Carolina
Brecklyn talks to Audrey about how practicing is like brushing your teeth and some great ideas for practice fun. Listening Suggestion: String Quartet in F Major by Maurice Ravel Practice Suggestion: One handed practice. Listen to this week’s episode on the SPP Parent Edition podcast here. We discuss great ways to transition to practice.
Suzuki Planet Podcast Ep. 5: Sofia, 14 year old violinist from California
Brecklyn talks to Sofia about performing on Little Big Shots, disagreeing with your teacher, and playing different genres. Listening Suggestion: Classics for Kids podcast Practice Suggestion: Use some of your practice time for fun improvisation. Here’s one resource you could use. Sofia’s single on iTunes. Sofia’s instagram. Check out our Patreon here.
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 4: Owen, 8 year old violinist from North Carolina
Brecklyn talks to Owen about the hardest part of playing the violin, practicing games, and how is teacher makes things fun. McKenzie’s Listening Suggestion: The Golden Age by violinist, Ray Chen Brecklyn’s Practice Suggestion: Use dice to randomize practice activities or decide number of repetitions.
Why I Love Teaching Teen Beginners…
I spent my first few years as a Suzuki violin teacher wishing and wishing for younger students. I wanted to be a real Suzuki teacher and real Suzuki teachers had really young beginners. I was actually disappointed when I got a beginning student that was 11 or older because I thought they were taking space […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 3: Kerissa, violinist from Ohio
Brecklyn talks to Kerissa about learning to read music, reviewing every day, and the thrill of learning something new. Tip of the week: put your number one practice goal on a big sheet of paper. Listening suggestion of the week: I‘m Not Perfect by Laurie Berkner. Thank you to Neil and Rachel of Chili Dog Strings for […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 2: Aliya, Cellist from Utah
Brecklyn talks to Aliya about playing in a quartet, taking cello lessons from her mom, and the power of a checklist. She also recommends two books: Bliss and Percy Jackson Tip of the week- Use a timer Listening suggestion of the week- Korngold Violin Concerto in D Major Thank you to Neil and Rachel of Chili […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 1: Lacee, 11 year old Suzuki violinist from Texas
Avoid burnout by joining orchestra! Brecklyn interviews the amazing Lacee, an 11 year old violinist from Texas. She talks about what she loves about her teacher, what talent really is, and the magic of reserving practice time for pop songs. Tip of the Week- always get some practicing done in the morning. Listening Suggestion of […]
Suzuki Planet Trailer
Happy launch day! Listen to hear more about our new podcast, created for music loving kids!
Restarting Your Practice Routine After a Break
Holidays can be rough on our goals to practice consistently with our kids. All the regular routines have gone out the window. Sometimes we’re traveling, or hosting relatives. And, for me where I live, it is winter. And that’s the worst. The dark days and gloomy weather just makes me want to hide in bed […]