As the beginning of school approaches, I like to take some time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t in my Suzuki violin studio. I love the magic of a new start, and the beginning of fall is my favorite time of year. It’s important to me to set myself up well at the […]
Violin Star Theory Review
Hello my friends, I’ve taken a break from the podcast and blog for a couple months due to the demands of our new family schedule and routine, but I wanted to hop back on to tell about a new resource for young violinists. I love teaching my students note reading and music theory, but it […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 18: Preston, Violinist from Florida
Brecklyn talks to Preston about how much he loves to be with his mom during practice, perseverance, and Gavotte by Gossec. Practice Tip: Make a specific practicing goal each day. Listening Tip: Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Jim Dale. You can support the Suzuki Planet Podcast by becoming a donor on Patreon. Our Patreon […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 17: Henry & James, Violinists from Illinois
Brecklyn chats with James and Henry about having their mom as their teacher and favorite practice strategies. Listening Tip: Julia Fischer, Russian Violin Concertos Practice Tip: Take a break right away if you start arguing with your practice partner. You can support the Suzuki Planet Podcast by becoming a donor on Patreon. Our Patreon donors […]
Successful Suzuki Practice Sessions
Why Setting Micro Goals Each Day Leads to Happier, More Productive Practice… A Tale of Two Practice Days… Once upon a Wednesday, a parent and their child gathered to practice the violin together. The first ten minutes of practice time was spent begging, pleading, and yelling at the child to get on the footchart. The […]
Suzuki Planet Podcast Episode 16: Gideon and Evangeline, Violinists from Georgia
Brecklyn chats with six year old Gideon about his favorite song, Allegro. Brecklyn talks to four year old Evangeline about what her mom and teacher does to make things fun. Practice Tip: Keep your practice recordings to 30 seconds or less. Listening Tip: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 by Edward Elgar. Recorded by […]
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 […]