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.
SPP, Ep. 10: Anna Cate
Brecklyn talks to Anna Cate about her homeschool orchestra, the hardest part of practicing, and how her mom helps her focus. Anna Cate’s reading suggestions: Redwall by Brian Jacques, Vanderbeeker series by Karina Yan Glaser. Practice Suggestion: Practice when you get home from your lesson. Read more suggestions from Dr. Molly Gebrian. Listening Suggestion: Scheherazade, […]
Efficient and Effective Practice
Congratulations! You’ve established a great practice routine with your Suzuki student, you know what time you’re going to practice on any given day of the week, and you have made progress on transitioning easily to practice. What now? Have you achieved practice perfection? The next question to ask yourself is; how effective is this practice […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast, Ep. 9: Della, violinist from Utah
Brecklyn talks to Della about the pain of Kreutzer, homeschooling two periods a day to get practice time in, and the struggle to play in tune. Listening Suggestion: Montagues and the Capulets, from Suite No. 2, from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 Practice Suggestion: Alternate playing slow for accuracy, and fast for technique.
Suzuki Planet Podcast Ep. 8: Lily, Violinist from California
Brecklyn talks to Lily about distractions while practicing, specific assignments from teachers, and practice partners. Listening Suggestion: “Nocturne” by Lili Boulanger Practice Suggestion: Play slow.
Supporting Studio Parents in Home Practice
Now that I have a couple years of Suzuki parenting behind me, and two children in lessons, I’ve spent some time reflecting on how my children’s teachers have supported me as the practice parent and what I can do to better support the parents in my studio. As a teacher, I sometimes forget that the […]