One of my many character flaws, is that I, when faced with a difficulty, will often put off creating a solution in the hope that the problem I’m facing will just…disappear. One of these difficulties is one you’re probably facing right now as well–online teaching due to Coronavirus. There was (and still is, to be […]
suzuki violin
Suzuki Planet Podcast, Ep. 15: Mia Bleu, violinist from Utah
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 for Teen and Adult Beginners
When I started Suzuki teacher training, most of the training was focused on very young beginners. My incredible teacher trainers gave me so much information that was applicable to any age, but it took me some trial and error to tailor it to an older beginner. I really believe that the Suzuki teaching philosophy applies […]
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 […]
Leveling Up: Adding Layers of Ability
I took a few creative writing classes in college just for fun. When we would read each other’s assignments, I noticed that there was a huge range in the quality of writing. There were the creative writing majors (whose writing was gripping, raw, and artistic) and the non-majors who were trying it out (me.) The […]
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 Diagnosis Free Suzuki Studio
One of the essential tenets of Suzuki Philosophy is that “every child can.” That phrase is one of my teaching mantras. I constantly think about it. Every child can. Every. Child. Can. Every child can learn to play the violin. It’s my job to figure out how to make that happen. I am so glad […]