Brecklyn talks to Mia Bleu about performing for her stuffed animals and the importance of stretch breaks. Listening suggestion: Chris Thile, Bach Sonatas and Partitas Practice suggestion: Break it up. Smaller sessions throughout the day. Brecklyn Ferrin teaches Suzuki violin lessons and Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes in Kaysville, Farmington, and Salt Lake City, Utah. […]
Suzuki parent
#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. […]
SPP, Ep. 10: Anna Cate
Brecklyn talks to Anna Cate about her homeschool orchestra, the hardest part of practicing, and how her mom helps her focus. Anna Cate’s reading suggestions: Redwall by Brian Jacques, Vanderbeeker series by Karina Yan Glaser. Practice Suggestion: Practice when you get home from your lesson. Read more suggestions from Dr. Molly Gebrian. Listening Suggestion: Scheherazade, […]
Supporting Studio Parents in Home Practice
Now that I have a couple years of Suzuki parenting behind me, and two children in lessons, I’ve spent some time reflecting on how my children’s teachers have supported me as the practice parent and what I can do to better support the parents in my studio. As a teacher, I sometimes forget that the […]
Why I Love Teaching Teen Beginners…
I spent my first few years as a Suzuki violin teacher wishing and wishing for younger students. I wanted to be a real Suzuki teacher and real Suzuki teachers had really young beginners. I was actually disappointed when I got a beginning student that was 11 or older because I thought they were taking space […]
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 […]
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 […]