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 […]
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 […]
Suzuki Parent Payday: M’s Weekly Lesson Debrief
One of my most difficult jobs is that of Suzuki parent. This may surprise someone of you, but this job is doesn’t have great pay. I spend hours and hours practicing with my kids and taking them to lesson and group class and concerts. And do I get a cent? No, I do not. In […]
The Suzuki Student’s Journey: M’s Weekly Lesson Debrief
I’m very lucky in my son’s violin teacher. She is so kind and patient, not only with M, but with me too. While M is learning the important lessons of appropriate lesson behavior, self-confidence, and persistence, I’m learning some pretty important lessons too.
2019-2020 Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club…
I can’t believe we’re starting a new school year, summer went by way too quickly! We took a couple months off the blog, and while that was nice, I’m anxious to be writing, learning, and sharing ideas and strategies for Suzuki teaching and parenting with my readers again. I’m especially excited to announce the 2019-2020 […]
Character Development and the Suzuki Method…
(An edited version of this article appeared in the Plucky Violin Teacher email community in June.) In much of Dr. Suzuki’s writings he talked about the importance of developing the character of the child as well as the musicianship. It’s an abstract concept that is sometimes difficult to translate into our day-to-day interactions with our […]
Self-Confidence and the Suzuki Method…
I’ve spent the last month really focusing on self-confidence. I’ve been reflecting and journaling about self-confidence daily. As I did this deep dive into the concept of self-confidence, I realized that developing self-confidence is a big part of why my children are in Suzuki lessons. I also saw how a lack of self-confidence can make […]
Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club…Teaching Genius: Dorothy Delay and the Making of a Musician
Whenever a few people discuss music teachers they’ve had or watched, they discuss whether they’re a “tough” teacher or a “nice” teacher. The conversation continues as if there were only two options; a tough teacher that gets things done with well set-up, nice sounding students, or a nice teacher that lets things go to maintain […]
Small Shifts: I’m Ready to Learn
I always knew I wouldn’t be teaching my own children the violin. Practice helper at home? I’m all in. But, being the teacher? No, thanks. I wanted to have someone in my corner. Someone I could reach out to for advice, and help on this journey. And, it doesn’t hurt to be able to say, […]