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 […]
For Suzuki Parents
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 […]
Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club Review: Simplicity Parenting
Every discussion about a parenting book should probably start with a disclaimer: This book works for me. It works for my kids. I do not know you. I do not know your kids. Consider it and use it or throw it in the garbage. Amen. I first read Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of […]
Practicing with Interrupting Younger Siblings: The Unhelpful Helper
Shall we start this blog post with an embarrassing confession? Okay, great, here it is: Almost every time I finish practice with my adorable pre-Twinkler, I hide in my closet and eat chocolate for a few minutes. Between my daughter’s perfectionism and distractibility and my two year old literally throwing a basketball at us through […]
Helping Parents Practice: Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club Review
This is one of my favorite books about teaching and parenting, so I was excited to revisit it last month. As both a psychotherapist and experienced Suzuki teacher, Edmund Sprunger is uniquely prepared to address the obstacles Suzuki parents face when practicing with their child. Helping Parents Practice is laid out in such a way […]
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 […]