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 […]
For Suzuki Parents
#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. […]
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.
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 […]