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 […]
To Learn With Love: Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club Reflection
I spent my few quiet moments in February curled up with my baby reading To Learn with Love: A Companion for Suzuki Parents by William and Constance Starr. Here are a few moments from the book that stood out to me, as a Suzuki teacher and parent, and why. “ALL CHILDREN MATURE AT DIFFERENT RATES,” […]
Suzuki Practicing and Example…
Parental involvement is a vital part of the Suzuki method and philosophy, and the major reason why it works. Without the help of devoted parents, our children would not be able to progress and thrive as young musicians. Suzuki parents are doing the tough work of getting their children to lessons and group lessons, practicing […]
Mistakes: A Tool for Growth…
Chances are, if you’ve done much reading on teaching and skill development you’ve heard of myelin. Myelin, a mix of proteins and phospholipids, wraps around nerve fibers. Skill is built by myelin wrapping around neural pathways, like pavement being laid on a road, making it more durable and easier to travel. Every repetition lays another […]
How to Rescue a Quickly-Deteriorating Practice Session with Your Suzuki Student
Practicing with my son has taken a turn for the worse of late. There’s been more frustration and sharp words from me. There’s been more stalling and whining from him. Tough times. I’ve let my general level of stress and my unrealistic expectations change the way I interact with my kids. And I want to […]
Pre-Twinkle Group Class Essentials…
After moving recently, I have had the pleasure of starting a studio from scratch for the third (and hopefully last) time. In the past, I have always had mostly transfer students. But this time, 90% of my students are brand new to the violin. It has been so much fun to set up all these […]
Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club Review: How Children Succeed
I really enjoyed reading How Children Succeed by Paul Tough. I had my highlighter and marked up the whole book. There were so many interesting ideas and I was struck by the connections I found to the Suzuki philosophy and writings of Dr. Suzuki. “What matters most in a child’s development, they say, is not […]
How to Stop Nagging Your Suzuki Students During Practice…
I don’t know about you, but it seems like I say the same things over and over and over with my child in practice, and with my students in lesson. For example: “Watch your bow.” “Eyes on your bow.” “Watch your bow.” “Bow on the highway.” “Watch your bow!” “Would you pease, please, please watch […]
Lessons from a Master Suzuki Teacher
A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe a Masterclass with one of my favorite Suzuki teachers, Deborah Moench. I’ve learned so much from her about quality teaching, and she has had a profound influence on my my own teaching. In the masterclass, Mrs. Moench worked with three students: a twinkler, and two […]
When Your Suzuki Student Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations…
I was disappointed this morning. My son had his first lesson after the holiday break. We worked hard all through the holidays. We even practiced for fifteen days straight through Christmas Eve and New Year’s. I thought he’d made great progress. I was excited for his teacher to see how much we’d gotten done. It […]