Many of us know Suzuki's quote : "Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus 10,000 times is skill." Such a great reminder that it is not enough to know something - we have to practice over and over to really master it. I recently came across this quote and had to share . . . who knew that Suzuki and Bruce Lee would have such similar things to say :) "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks…
I recently returned from a great trip to Seattle to attend the Japan Seattle Suzuki Institute. It had been a few years since I attended an Institute to take training (I have gone to observe only lately). It was such a motivating and re-energizing experience for me! I had taken a few years off to take long term training with a teacher trainer in my home city and then was just busy with life, so it took a concerted effort…
In my studio almost all of my middle & high school students participate in performance groups in addition to regular lessons & group classes. Some students are members of community orchestras, youth symphonies or their school orchestra. Others play as a soloist in their church or with their school's choir . . . As their teacher, I try to make sure I am preparing students to play in these groups by integrating sight reading and rhythmic studies into their lessons…
In my studio, I teach many preschool & kindergarten students. My degree is in Early Childhood Education, and this is an age that I LOVE to work with. Working with these young students is never boring . . . you never know what will happen from week to week. What I can usually count on though, is fun stories from their week, lots of imagination ("Today I'm a Robot!" . . . complete with motions no less!) and I…
Sometimes doing things totally unrelated to teaching gives me a new perspective and teaches me something new. Our family recently joined a gym & as part of the joining package I have been able to work with a trainer, once a week, for the last month. The trainer I'm working with is a great fit for me, and has really challenged me to push myself to get better. I have also seen parallels between working with my trainer, and the…
Music Tip Monday: Set up a Community Service Recital: Community Service Recitals are great ways for students to give back and use their musical talents to brighten someone else's day. There are many possibilities for where and how you could do this. For example, later this month I am taking students to play at a local retirement community. Many communities have an activities director, who can help you get all the details set up. We will make a program…
Remember to Focus on the Big Picture!: you want to become a better musician, you want to your child to learn music because of all of the life lessons they will learn along the way, you want to inspire your students and expand your skills as a teacher. Everyone has days when they feel discouraged, don't feel like putting in the work, or wonder if it is worth it. Don't let a bad day, week, or even month cause you…
One of the foundations of the Suzuki Method is its focus on reviewing pieces a student has already learned. Most teachers have a systematic way to have students go through their review pieces and it often varies from teacher to teacher. Reviewing pieces on a daily and weekly basis not only keeps students ready to participate in group classes, play throughs, and at institutes in the summer - it also helps students to master their pieces in a way…
Music Tip Monday: Stretch! It has been said that musicians are atheletes of the small muscles and, like any athlete, stretching is an important part of staying in the best shape possible. Stretching your shoulders, back, arms and hands can keep you relaxed and free of tension when you practice. There are some great videos on stretching to get you started (see above). You can also ask your teacher for their recommendations. If you have any stretches that work well for…
Music Tip Monday: Pick 3 goals for the school year Personal achievement experts emphasise the importance of writing down your goals. At the beginning of each school year, I write down my top 3 goals for each student I teach. I would highly recommend trying this if you are a teacher or a student. If you have clear goals that you are working toward, there is more purpose to your practice. Instead of just putting in the time, you…