Why I still hold Studio Recitals even though they can be a pain in the rump… Every so often I come across a teacher that doesn’t believe in recitals, specifically formal recitals. I understand their reasoning. Formal recitals can be intimidating for students; dressing up, the lights turned dimmer, everyone staring at them. That can […]
Parents
Marketing 101 for Music Teachers
How to Keep Your Studio Full by Thinking Like an Entrepreneur…with a little help from this brand new handbook. As of last month, my studio was booked solid. I was teaching literally every minute of my after school hours. I felt like I had more students than I knew what to do with. I had […]
Ten Benefits of Listening to the Suzuki Recordings
Is your Suzuki Student Progressing Slowly? More Listening Could be the Answer! Occasionally, I will have a student that progresses through the Suzuki repertoire very quickly. Each piece comes easily, almost effortlessly. Are these students just more talented? Did they practice more than the others? My hypothesis is, while these students did practice consistently, they […]
To Bribe or Not to Bribe? How Pro Suzuki Parents Motivate Their Kids to Practice
How Pro Suzuki Parents Get Their Kids to Practice Part III The question of whether or not to “bribe” children to practice is a controversial one. Those against a “bribe,” or as I prefer, a reward system, argue that we should encourage intrinsic motivation, helping our children to be self-motivated. Inspired and moved to practice […]
How do I Find the Time to Practice with my Suzuki Student?
How Pro Suzuki Parents Get Their Kids to Practice: Part II This post is the second in a series of posts where I share the results of my research into how some parents actually make practicing happen. Part I was all about making practicing with your Suzuki student a part of your daily routine, you […]
Suzuki Violin Method: How Pro Suzuki Parents Get Their Kids to Practice: Part I
To get the most out of the Suzuki Violin Method, check out what these parents are doing… The Suzuki Violin Method requires a huge commitment from parents, students, and teachers. We teachers are always struggling to get our students to practice, and to teach them how to practice properly. Parents are always struggling to fit it […]
Recital Etiquette: Teach It to Your Students or Pay the Consequences!
Why teaching proper recital behavior isn’t extra, it’s crucial… A few years ago, I held a recital for my students. They all worked incredibly hard to prepare, and I was excited for them to perform for their families. Little did I know what chaos lurked in the shadows, waiting to disrupt my lovely little studio […]
5 Fun and Easy Violin Practice Games
5 Fun and Easy Violin Practice Games How to Avoid Music Practice Battles with Your Kids Guest Post by McKenzie Clawson Practicing sometimes feels like a dirty word. When I bring up the subject of practicing with my students they look away, shuffle their feet, and try to avoid the question. (Does this sound familiar?) […]