Friday, September 27, 2013

Clarification, Reminder and a Fiddle Concert!

Last call for Theory Class sign-up:

Please hand in your registration now! Class starts Wednesday October 2nd from 6:00-7:00. Take advantage of this opportunity to help master music theory skills (ex. note naming, note values, rhythms, key/time signatures, composition and improvisation!)

Clarification to the Lesson Etiquette handout:

When I talk about technology being forbidden in lessons, group class and especially recitals, this is expected because all of your attention should be on your child and the other children participating. However, if you are using an electronic device to either video or take pictures this is of course allowed because it is involving your child. 


Fiddle Concert with Ashley MacIsaac:

Ashley MacIsaac is playing at Aeolian Hall on Saturday October 26th at 8:00. If you are interested in fiddle music you should definitely check out this concert. Being a Nova Scotian born fiddler and representing the Cape Breton Scottish Fiddling techniques and traditions, Ashley MacIsaac has made a name for himself through his rock inspired variations on traditional tunes. Click HERE for details!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Practice Motivators, Repetition Games and How Daily Practice Can Make Your Life Easier!

Good luck everyone as we begin our first weeks of the Play Challenge!

All of the practice motivators and repetition games I am providing here are listed on my website www.amysviolinschool.com under the resources. Use the internet to search for even more ways to motivate practice at home!

Put on performances - for family members, stuffed animals, over skype or even record yourself playing!

Parade - parade around the house playing the twinkle variations, review songs or even newer pieces to test your abilities!

10x Challenge - complete a practice spot 10x in a row without any mistakes. Make a mistake and start over at 1. Watch how the spot gets easier and easier!

Play in different rooms around the house - does the sound of your violin change at all?

Take a step - play a practice chunk well and take a step forward (to a desired destination). Take a step back if played poorly.

6 things a day - pick 6 things everyday to do with the violin. Write them down with your child and check them off as you go. Make them small and concise.

Practice Candle - burn a candle every time you start to practice. Watch as it gets smaller and smaller each time you practice (the candles with little prizes inside can be fun!)

Beads! - string beads together for every repetition or task completed in practice!

Lego! - stick lego pieces together for every repetition or task completed in practice!

Puzzles - put puzzle pieces together for each repetition

Monopoly money - parent and child get same amount of money. If child plays well, they get to steal one piece of parents money. If they play poorly, parent gets to take one piece of child's money. Watch how your child is determined to not let you win all the money!

Why is it so important and expected in the Suzuki method to practice everyday?


Children feel comfort and stability in having a schedule and a routine. They know what to expect and what is expected of them and this makes them feel secure and confident. Having schedules in your family instills healthy lifestyle habits that will carry on into adulthood and establish a sense of responsibility early. It's all about providing the best education, experiences and learning environment for children.

By playing everyday, power struggles can be eliminated because the expectation has been developed. In turn, stress on your part can be reduced and you and your child will get better at practice because you do it so regularly. Your practice sessions will become more concise (shorter in fact!) because there will be no more trying to remember what teacher said at lesson which was two days earlier and you can get straight to the point. 

Practice is all about quality and not quantity. 10 minutes of focused practice can replace 20 minutes of unfocused practiced. Use practice motivators and games to capture the focus of your child. Practice daily so that you may learn to practice more efficiently, and therefore save more time in your busy lives for other things. 

Sound too good to be true? You can all do it! Call me anytime to discuss daily practice in your home!

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Phase One: Suzuki Music Class - New Class Times!

The Phase One: Suzuki Music Class for Babies, Toddlers and Parents now has two available class times in North London!

Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30
&
Saturdays from 9:00-10:00

(times subject to change depending on class size)

In our Phase One: Baby and Toddler class, music is used as a vehicle to develop character in each and every child. This is possible through our belief that every child can learn and that every child has unlimited potential. 

Through the use of lullabies, action songs and rhymes, our one hour class develops numeracy, speech and literacy skills, as well as sharing, sensitivity, discipline, fine motor skills, confidence, and a strong bond between parent and child.

These skills will blossom through:
 - the constant nourishment of a positive environment provided by the parent in the home and the teacher during class
 - the observation and interaction of other children
 - encouragement from parents and teachers, 
  - and by allowing children to develop ability and success without pressure so that the learning process is done so with love and joy. 

Phase one is not just a music class. It is an opportunity to provide children with fundamental skills they will use in preschool, grade school, instrumental music lessons and essentially life.

Call NOW to reserve your spot!

226-234-6836
519-858-0547
amylewis5355@gmail.com

Visit www.suzukiece.com for more information.