New Blog Post Series For Beginning Suzuki Violin Students and Parents…
As a parent, the beginning of the school-year is a natural time to evaluate my child’s activities and education. I don’t think I’m alone in this, because it’s also when I get the majority of inquiries about violin lessons. As I’ve been answering these messages from prospective students, I’ve pondered what brings students and parents to music and to Suzuki violin, specifically.
Many of the parents who contact me tell me that their child has expressed an interest in the violin, and according to my parents, that’s how I got started too. This is wonderful! I’m all for following a child’s curiosity and interest. I’m so grateful my parents listened to my pleas for a violin and showed me that my interests were important by finding me a fabulous violin teacher. (I’m also grateful they never let me quit when I inevitably got frustrated. Violin is hard!)
If your child has asked to play the violin, or even if you put the idea in their heads like I did with my kids, here’s a few reasons why your decision to sign your child up for Suzuki Violin Lessons was smart as can be.
WHY LEARN A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Learning a musical instrument is so good for you!
Music students develop executive function skills and strategies that will serve them for their whole lives. Learning an instrument requires self-assessment, problem-solving skills, perseverance, and so much more. Music lessons are a great tool for developing these characteristics and TK skills.
Playing music is a great way to make friends!
Participating in musical groups and communities was such an important and rewarding part of my growing-up years. I’m still friends with some of those childhood orchestra pals. Studies have shown that making music with other people reduces anxiety and builds cooperation and sympathy in young children. Here’s a link to one such study at McMaster University.
Building an identity as a musician feels good. Students learn that they can break down complicated pieces into small pieces and master them. They become familiar with the process of frustration-work-reward, and the practice of working through discomfort will serve them well throughout their lives. Playing an instrument is a unique accomplishment and young musicians often receive positive attention from their peers and adults. This was so valuable to me when I was a shy, insecure teenager. I knew I had something valuable to offer because I could play musical numbers at church, rest homes, and in my community.
Music lessons are typically one on one. And if you have the right teacher, they can be an invaluable support to your student. My relationships with my teachers had such a positive impact on my life. I saw them week after week for years. I saw my violin teacher more than some of my extended family. I felt like she knew me. She was a cheerleader, coach, and positive role model during my vulnerable teen years.
I’ve been extremely lucky in these relationships for my kids too. Their teachers really care about them and are invested in helping them grow and develop as musicians and human beings.
WHY SUZUKI METHOD
I chose the Suzuki method for my kids, not just because I’m invested in it as a teacher, but because I know it works well with how kids are wired to learn. The focus on listening review, and repetition builds a musical foundation that kids can rely on into adulthood, even if they take a break and come back to it.
Suzuki teachers create a nurturing environment that supports students and parents as they learn. The suzuki association provides high quality teacher education and most teachers are continually engaged in their growth as teachers.
WHY CHOOSE VIOLIN?
Because it’s stinking cool, that’s why! The violin has some of the best music out there, and it’s a staple of so many musical genres! You can play hiphop, jazz, country, folk, whatever you like.
The violin is also way more portable than the larger string instruments or piano. Violins are also sold in child-appropriate sizes, so your kid’s teeny fingers aren’t straining to use the same instrument an adult would play.
Violinists aren’t stuck playing alone, we get to be social! Group classes are a big part of the Suzuki method, and it’s my favorite part of being a Suzuki teacher and parent. I love watching my kids have a blast at group lessons, they love making music with their friends.
NOW THAT YOU’RE CONVINCED…
I’ve got your back as you get started as a Suzuki parent. I have tons of resources here to help you find a teacher, learn how to practice with your child, and make music a part of your family culture. I am so excited for you and your kids as you begin this journey. It’s going to be amazing.