When your child moves on to a new piece in the Suzuki book, they may think that they no longer need to play the previous one. Afterall, they’ve mastered it. That’s why they’re allowed to continue, right? On the one hand, yes, only when a student has demonstrated the...

Playfulness is the way to go when engaging young children! Sometimes you just need to take the pressure off and lighten the mood. Laughter has the ability to reduce stress, improve circulation, and re-energize the body; all things we need for good concentration when...

Learning music is like learning a second language, which means it’s important to be listening as much as possible. It can be very challenging for your child to learn a new piece if they don’t know what it sounds like. Learning music is similar to how children hear...

Is your child maintaining a proper playing position when practicing? How a student sits, stands, and holds their instrument is as important to technique as practicing scales and tone. This because it forms the physical foundation upon which all healthy playing habits...

Learning to read music is hard work, but it can also be so much fun! Try these creative, hands-on games at home to spice up the way you practice note reading.   1. "I Spy" Notes & Symbols “I spy with my little eye... a quarter note, a crescendo, a barline,...

Do you have a reluctant child, a child that says NO, or simply won't practice when asked? Here are some ideas:  1) Ask, "What time do you want to practice?" Ask before they go to school or do virtual school at homewhen they would like to practice that day. Then write...

Practice over the holidays can be difficult, especially when it feels like the busiest time of the year. While practicing keeps your child progressing, fostering a desire to continue to make music and find joy in making music is far more important than maintaining a...

As teachers and practice parents it is important to express constructive positive feedback to our students. Suzuki cello teacher, Alex Revoal, recommends considering the following steps in order to craft effective and supporting feedback: 1. Be specific - Instead of a...

1. Musical Jewelry Make your favorite song into a necklace (or bracelet)! Letter beads work great for notes and blank beads can be used for rests. This activity is wonderful for learning a new song and memorizing because the music is always with you! 2. Painting...

The art of practicing is an art in itself. Lets explore a creative way that we can use rhythm. Lets broaden our creative energies. Clapping Rhythms: A parent can do the rhythm chosen, then sister or brother, then our amazing student. Do in any desired order. Use...