This week in my oldest child’s violin lessons, he and his teacher reviewed goals from the past academic year and made new ones for the coming year. Last fall, we made some goals for practice and for the progress we hoped to see. At the time we made the goals, my son (seven now, six […]
For Suzuki Parents
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 […]
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. […]
I Wonder What Mistakes I’ll Make…
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. […]
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 […]
Should You Let Your Suzuki Student Switch Instruments?
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 […]
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 […]
The Power of Suzuki Early Childhood Education
I have heard about the magic of Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) classes for years, but I really saw it when I started attending SECE with my two year old. Before we started, I read that SECE would help my son with patience, vocabulary, and rhythm, and it has. But more importantly, it has given […]
How to Listen to Classical Music with Your Kids..
I listen to a lot of classical music with my two kids, and not because of the Mozart Effect. I have no expectations that my children’s IQ will shoot up by listening to classical music. Mostly, I listen to classical music because I love it. Like parents everywhere, I share my passions with my kids. […]