SARAH'S SUZUKI VIOLIN STUDIO
The Parent's Role
1. Attend the lessons. Keep in the background, as a child has trouble learning from two teachers at once. You are the at-home teacher.
2. Help your child recall the lesson. This begins in the car on the way home from the studio. Never wait 24 hours as it will be difficult for either of you to remember details of the lesson. TAKE NOTES during the lesson and also encourage your child to remember what they need to work on.
3. Handle the violin yourself at home, learning to play much of Book 1. It is good for your relationship as it boosts their ego and confidence when they see you make mistakes and learn too. They get a sense that you are in it together and it is a bonding experience.
4. Be responsible for playing the current cd DAILY, helping establish the habit of it daily. Listening does not have to be active; it can be done while eating breakfast, getting ready for bed, driving in the car, cleaning the house, or during playtime.
5. Become accustomed to repetition of the cd and repetition in practicing. Generally children like repetition and do not tire of it as they find pride in playing music well. Be mindful to not make comments of boredom at the repetitive nature. Instead, with each repetition find something to improve or a positive aspect to comment on.
6. See that the violin and bow are in good condition. Keep in mind the following essential elements before the technique of playing can be at all effective:
-Good horsehair, at proper tension ( rehair about once a year)
-Good rosin, daily
-Good strings (not dull or false), new about once a year
-Properly adjusted violin (good bridge correctly fitted, sound post in proper position, pegs and tuners that work, and no unglued joints or cracks)
7. See that your child attends all recitals, classes, and special events since these are scheduled for motivation and musical education. Avoid making comparisons between your child and others.
8. Keep growing-musically, as well as in other ways. Children grow best in an atmosphere of adult growth. It is contagious. Curiosity is contagious.
9. Give attention to Suzuki's concepts. They are the fruits of a long life of musical and spiritual search.
10. Avoid discouragement. When in need of a lift, read his book Nurtured by Love. It is full of quotes and ideas. Talk with other parents and share ideas and concerns.
11. Practice with your child until he/she can work effectively on their own. Two or more short and positive practice sessions a day are far better than one long one. When practicing with your child sit to the left of them so that he/she can look directly alongthe strings and over the scroll at you. Keep in mind the helpful slogan: nose, strings, elbow, and foot (left).
12. BE responsible for getting practice started, as well as helping your child learn how to practice. Don't blame your child for not remembering to practice, or for not wanting to stop doing something else. Experiment with ideas form other parents. Remember, too, that nothing works forever. Keep inventing new challenges during practice. Talk to them while they are playing as this helps them be able to take corrections during the lesson time without stopping.
2. Help your child recall the lesson. This begins in the car on the way home from the studio. Never wait 24 hours as it will be difficult for either of you to remember details of the lesson. TAKE NOTES during the lesson and also encourage your child to remember what they need to work on.
3. Handle the violin yourself at home, learning to play much of Book 1. It is good for your relationship as it boosts their ego and confidence when they see you make mistakes and learn too. They get a sense that you are in it together and it is a bonding experience.
4. Be responsible for playing the current cd DAILY, helping establish the habit of it daily. Listening does not have to be active; it can be done while eating breakfast, getting ready for bed, driving in the car, cleaning the house, or during playtime.
5. Become accustomed to repetition of the cd and repetition in practicing. Generally children like repetition and do not tire of it as they find pride in playing music well. Be mindful to not make comments of boredom at the repetitive nature. Instead, with each repetition find something to improve or a positive aspect to comment on.
6. See that the violin and bow are in good condition. Keep in mind the following essential elements before the technique of playing can be at all effective:
-Good horsehair, at proper tension ( rehair about once a year)
-Good rosin, daily
-Good strings (not dull or false), new about once a year
-Properly adjusted violin (good bridge correctly fitted, sound post in proper position, pegs and tuners that work, and no unglued joints or cracks)
7. See that your child attends all recitals, classes, and special events since these are scheduled for motivation and musical education. Avoid making comparisons between your child and others.
8. Keep growing-musically, as well as in other ways. Children grow best in an atmosphere of adult growth. It is contagious. Curiosity is contagious.
9. Give attention to Suzuki's concepts. They are the fruits of a long life of musical and spiritual search.
10. Avoid discouragement. When in need of a lift, read his book Nurtured by Love. It is full of quotes and ideas. Talk with other parents and share ideas and concerns.
11. Practice with your child until he/she can work effectively on their own. Two or more short and positive practice sessions a day are far better than one long one. When practicing with your child sit to the left of them so that he/she can look directly alongthe strings and over the scroll at you. Keep in mind the helpful slogan: nose, strings, elbow, and foot (left).
12. BE responsible for getting practice started, as well as helping your child learn how to practice. Don't blame your child for not remembering to practice, or for not wanting to stop doing something else. Experiment with ideas form other parents. Remember, too, that nothing works forever. Keep inventing new challenges during practice. Talk to them while they are playing as this helps them be able to take corrections during the lesson time without stopping.
phone: (480)338-3933 email: violinhearts@gmail.com
