Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was able to spend the last few days visiting with my new niece (3 weeks old!) and eating way too much food, as always.

One last reminder before we head into the New Year:
Lessons will resume the week of January 11th. 

That means that the kids will be back at school for one week and then lessons will start the week after. Although we have this extra week off of lessons, I do expect everyone to return to lessons with practice chart assignments ready to go. The next recital will be here before we know it (February 7th!).

If you have the next week off from work, which I hope most of you do so you can spend time with family, make sure to actually spend time with family.

My brain is already making lists and organizing information, wanting to start preparing for the next few months of work. But I have learned that there is such a thing as being too efficient and over prepared especially if it means cutting into spending time with the people who make our lives worth all the hard work we do year round.

Giving this advice is much easier said than done as I sit here contemplating work and writing to all of you as my husband glares at me because he knows what all the typing is about. So on that note, I'm off to spend time with my wonderful husband and our too cute for words cat.

As always, if you have any questions or any tuning emergencies, give me a call or send me an e-mail.

Enjoy your holiday and the people around you. See you in January!

Ceilidh Night

Tuesday's Ceilidh was so much fun. I've called the last group class of the year a Ceilidh for the past two years, but this year it truly felt like one. Request after request, the stage went from being completely full, to only a few playing, to little ones scrambling for their violins and joining in with excitement on pieces they knew, or pieces they just wanted to try, and with mouth fulls of food! The two person piano playing was awesome! Lots of improvising, teamwork and laughter. Thank you to my wonderful accompanists Alison & Drew who play with such heart and joy. It wouldn't have been the same without the two of you!

With no expectations, just a love of music and playing with one another, it was a great evening of music and there wasn't enough time to get in everyone's requests. It's a great moment when class is over but they still want to play!

Thanks for a wonderful evening and for your support in purchasing CD's of the group Celtic Shift I play with. Celtic Shift CD's will continue to be available in lesson for $20. 

Happy listening, 

Merry Christmas & 

Have a Wonderful New Year! 

See you all in 2016!

December News

Some news to wrap up December...

1. My niece, Dagny, was born on December 6th. We are so excited to welcome her to the family and can't wait for lots of visits over the holidays!

2. Celtic Shift, the fiddle group I play with, is releasing their second CD this week! I feel so fortunate to be able to play with and learn from such incredible musicians and you will be able to find and purchase CD's in lesson for $20!

3. Ceilidh Group Class is on Tuesday December 15th. This class will act as a typical Kitchen Party that you might attend out East which includes snacks, a variety of music from classical to fiddle to festive and anything we can think of in between, possibly some dancing, a lot of playing along and a lot of relaxing and enjoying music and the time we spend together. Sounds like the perfect way to finish off 2015! I hope to see everyone there!

4. Next week is the last week of lessons. There are no lessons past December 19th. Lessons will resume the week after the kids get back to school on January 11th. The first Group Class of 2016 is on January 12th.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

What I Love About Group Class

Even though there is NO GROUP CLASS this week (class will resume on Dec. 8th and 15th) I am constantly reminded, especially from our Holiday Recital which featured duets and ensembles, of the importance of group class and the chance to play together.

As we head into the holiday season make plans to play music for family or to get your family and friends involved in singing carols or clapping or jingling along to violin tunes. You all work so hard year round studying music. This is a wonderful time of year to share your music with the people who mean the most to you and to start some musical traditions.

So many students have been figuring out Christmas Carols by ear on their violins. If there is a song you like and want to play on your violin, challenge yourself to try and figure it out or tell me about it in lesson and we can work on it together. We can play anything we want on our violins! There is always a way.

Congratulations to everyone on their performances at the Holiday Recital! I had a wonderful afternoon with everyone! I am so grateful for all the families who let me be a small part of their lives and allow me to do what I love, for my family who attended, my wonderful husband and our jolly Santa!

10 Things I Love About Group Class:
1. Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a chance to be heard and to share their opinions without judgement.

2. Even though most of us only see each other once a week, we play together as one, working toward a common goal.

3. Parental Involvement - whether in the audience or on the stage; your constant support means everything. You are all incredible!

4. Teenage Leadership - the power they have in positively influencing and motivating those who look up to them.

5. Mistakes are allowed. Keep working, keep learning.

6. We are respectful of everyone's position in the class. There is no competition. Our journey is our own and no one else's.

7. Listening - to see little ones who are known to have trouble sitting still, sit through advanced repertoire with ease, quietly listening or strumming their violins to the piece.

8. Play it, even if you don't know it - to see beginners make the decision to play along with a song they don't know in delight or to sit the next song out and listen. Yes, five year old's do choose to listen (well in group class anyway!)

9. Creativity - because mistakes are allowed, there is freedom to try new things without fear. Maybe it's that new harmony part you've been working on or a new technique. Magical things can happen through a simple suggestion (ex. our pizzicato rendition of twinkle with beautiful harmonies a few weeks ago was amazing. So many simple ideas are pondered in class and are brought to lesson to discuss and discover).

10. Group class helps us deal with the world - whether it's a distraction from our hectic work or school lives or an inner fear that we haven't been able to identify yet. Group class challenges us to do more and to be more then we think we are capable of. Facing the vulnerability of joining group class can be a challenge in it's self, but once we do, we are faced with an entirely different way to learn. A way for all ages and levels to learn together and from one another: The Suzuki way.

Holiday Recital - Sunday November 29th

We've made it to the Holiday Recital this Sunday November 29th, at 2:00 at Siloam United Church. Here's what you need to know!

ARRIVAL - No Later than 1:45 for Everyone! You may arrive as early as
1:30.

If you are playing in the O Christmas Tree Ensemble - ARRIVAL TIME is 1:30.

If you are playing in an ensemble where you need sheet music, please make sure to bring your own music!

Dress Code - whatever you would like, as long as you can play comfortably!

NO Reception at the end, but an appearance by a special Holiday Guest!

Family Portrait Sessions from Priya Mchardie

Just another reminder that Priya Mchardie is offering Family Portrait Sessions with $25 going towards Amy's Violin School fund, which benefits all of you!

Get those Christmas cards ready or get some professional photos of your kids with their instruments! Priya makes the process simple and fun! Check out her contact info below.

Contact her today at 519-697-7577 or priya.mchardie@gmail.com.

Check out her website HERE!

Mixed Ages Group Class - Heavy on Book 1 & 2

A new family coming to group class may not notice the division of repertoire present, but those who have been through many of the Suzuki books will.

(Approx.) 50% of class represents pieces in Book 1 or 2, 

25% represents pieces in Books 3 and up, 

another 25% represents other activities like listening, theory, composers, ensembles, etc. 

Why run a class so Book 1 & 2 heavy when there are those of all level present?

#1 Reason
Group Class is about coming together as a community to share in a common interest or a common goal. We play because we love to play and we work together to prepare for recitals and performances. This act in itself, regardless of the repertoire being played is an immeasurable experience and opportunity: To learn and observe from those of all ages and to see what they are capable of and what they struggle with. It is never enough to just learn from those the same age and level as us.

#2 Reason
So imagine we are playing Jenga. You know, the game where you have a tower of blocks all stacked on top of one another and you have to pull a block from the bottom and place it on top. For every block you pull out and place on top, this represents every new piece we learn and every review piece we LOOSE! What is the result? Eventually the whole tower will crumble and we'll have to restart from scratch.

However, what if instead of taking blocks out from the bottom, we maintain that strong foundation and we create new blocks for the top to build our tower of skills. We'd eventually get a lot higher with no risk of the tower crumbling. Along the way, maybe we'll add in some supports at the bottom. We could use Book 1 pieces to practice advanced techniques like vibrato, sautille, shifting or maybe that pesky bow hold that we can never get just right. Maybe we learn the harmony parts that accompany the Book 1 & 2 pieces. Our foundation gets stronger and stronger and our tower of skills gets taller and taller.

Growing up with the Suzuki lifestyle I understood the importance of review and I see it's impact everyday with my students from the ones who do review everyday and the one's who struggle with it. My recent realization of the true power that the early Suzuki Books can hold came from my venture into self teaching the Suzuki piano repertoire. I breezed through the early pieces I had heard on a daily basis from growing up in a house with a Suzuki piano teacher. Then around Book 5, I got stuck. All progress stopped. It didn't seem to matter how much I worked on a practice spot, it was always choppy and slow and stuck. All motivation to keep playing these new pieces stopped along with it. So I went back to what I knew I could do. I spent hours playing through the early repertoire, enjoying the ease of these pieces, adding in pedal and dynamics and playing as much of it by memory as I could. It felt great.

One day I reluctantly went back to those Book 5 pieces, expecting to be frustrated and disappointed all over again. But it was like MAGIC! Spots that felt impossible before, now I could actually do! Yes, it was still a challenge and it still is, these pieces are hard! But all of a sudden, there was comfort and a deeper understanding of the instrument that I didn't have before. Progress was back.

This is the Suzuki way. This is the Suzuki lifestyle. We cannot expect progress until we analyze the quality of the product. But when we take a step back from our natural instincts and look at things in a Suzuki light, incredible things can happen. Suzuki Books 1 & 2 are the root of this magic. So whether you are a beginner, have been playing the violin for 20 plus years or a Suzuki parent who has been listening to the repertoire for that same amount of time; feel security and comfort in the repetition of these pieces. We are never too old or young to review but we can definitely forget their power if we get caught up in what's new.

Suzuki Conference, Saturday November 7th, 2015

By now you should all have received your e-mail confirmation for registration on Saturday November 7th. Here is an overview of what you need to know that day:

LOCATION: John George Althouse Building (Western University), 1137 Western Road. 

PARKING: Two parking lots are located behind the building. Entrance gates will be raised for the day, and there will be no charge to park.

REGISTRATION: Registration tables will be set up at the entrance to the Althouse Building.

REGISTRATION TIMES: 
Orchestras 1, 2, and 3 takes place from 8:30-9:15 am, with the first orchestra rehearsal beginning promptly at 9:30 am. 
All other participants takes place from 9:15 – 9:45 am. with the first class starting promptly at 10:00 am.

Each participant will receive his/her own personal timetable upon registration. Lunch will be served in the Blackboard Café (Room 1142) at the time specified on the timetable. The performance of Vox Metropolis will take place in the Auditorium at 1:00 pm, and the Gala Concert will begin at 4:00 pm, also in the Auditorium.

Reminder to all Orchestra members! Please be sure to bring your all-black concert clothing, your labelled music stand, and your own orchestra music.

Our Silent Auction will be in progress throughout the day in the gymnasium at Althouse. A wonderful array of items will be on display in the gym awaiting your bid; however, you don’t have to wait until November 7^th as the following link will allow you to start bidding now! http://fcte2015.eflea.ca/

Please also remember to visit our vendors’ tables while you are in the gym: Long & McQuade, The Sound Post, and Matthew Schmidt (violin maker and restorer). A Canteen will also be available throughout the day in the gym, with juice and snacks for sale. 

Let the Listening Continue

Congratulations to everyone on completing the Listening Challenge!

Even though the challenge has come to a close, doesn't mean the listening stops. Keep going with the habits you have created through participating in the challenge.

The Suzuki Conference is fast approaching on Saturday November 7th! 

Keep learning your orchestra notes and here is some listening to help with your preparations!

Galop!





A Canadian Ballad (She's Like the Swallow)




And for the fun of it, here is some Halloween listening:
The Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space! 

My thoughts on the day...

Today we were all a part of such a unique community. One where we have come from different places, go to different schools, work different jobs, are different ages, personalities, and have different interests. Yet, we all came together today and every week at group class to make music. Music truly is a universal language and we all proved that today by the astounding support I saw.

Everyone had their own challenges to work through today and we were all able to succeed in our own way. Music allows us to do and experience so many things. It allows us to make mistakes and for everything to still be okay. We can continue on, keep trying and know that we will be supported in everything we do. This environment is so important to have, because it unfortunately does not exist everywhere. But if we can experience this support regularly we can learn how to handle situations where we may not get that same support and know deep down that it is okay. This is such an important skill to give to children and to remind ourselves as adults about.

I am so grateful to be able to work with such generous families. Those who helped me through the recital today whether from setting things up, maintaining the reception table or cleaning up afterwards. Your time and help is truly appreciated.

We all supported each other today. We all tried our best. We all had fun (and possibly ate too many sweets!).

I am so proud of everyone. One recital done, on to the next!

October 25th Recital 2:00

Here's what you need to know for the October 25th Recital.

Arrival time is no later that 1:45. 

You are welcome to arrive as early as 1:15.

Location is as usual, Siloam United Church.
Friends and family are welcome!

Please bring a treat to share at the reception following the recital.

Get crafty and bring a Halloween themed treat! Baking is a great way to relieve stress after a busy work day and a great activity to do with the kids (get them involved in the clean up too!). 

There is no dress code for this recital, but make sure that whatever you wear does not interfere with your playing. 

For example, try to avoid necklaces, bracelets, collars, thick straps or sleeves, etc. Also, make sure any hair is out of your face.

You may count attending the recital as the LIVE MUSIC requirement on your Listening Challenge!

Other then that, keep practicing, keep listening and get ready to enjoy an afternoon of great music!

Tuning Session

Last group class featured a tuning session for parents & students.

Here are some of things we talked about and tried in class:

Rule #1
If you feel at all uncomfortable tuning the violin, DON'T! There is no use in risking breaking a string unless you feel confident. Call your teacher or another musician you trust to tune the violin for you or help you through the process.

Rule #2
Understand that when we tighten the string, the pitch gets higher and when we loosen the string the pitch gets lower. The saying, "Right-y, tight-y. Lefty, loosey" applies for the small fine tuners. For the big tuning pegs, turn it towards you to loosen and away from you to tighten.

Rule #3
Play or pluck the strings while you tune so you are not just aimlessly turning the pegs back and forth. Turn the pegs with a purpose and listen while you turn.

Rule #4
Always loosen the string before you tighten, especially if using the tuning pegs. Even if you know you are flat, turn the peg toward you to loosen it first, then raise the pitch. Pegs can get stuck especially if they haven't been moved in a while. You never want to risk over tightening a stuck peg and have the string pop on you. Loosen, then tighten.

Rule #5
If you really can't tell which way to turn and the pitch doesn't seem to be getting any better. STOP TURNING. Don't risk over turning because you are not sure. Take a break and come back to it or ask a professional for help and guidance.

Apps to help you tune:

I have an app called Tuner Lite, but there are many free version you can download. I like Tuner Lite because the interface is similar to that of an actual tuner. Handheld tuners can be purchased online or at Long and Mcquade. I would suggest NOT buying the clip-on tuners. I find these always have some issues. Buy a chromatic tuner if you are going to invest any money into it.

Double Stop String Patterns to Practice:

A-D,  D-G,  E-A

Don't be afraid, know the rules, be careful and ask for help when needed!

Family Portrait Sessions!

I am so pleased to be able to support a local small business, Priya Mchardie Photography!

Check this out:

Take advantage of the fall colours and get some shots done of the family or of your kids with their instruments! What a great gift idea for the holidays!

Priya Mchardie makes the photo session simple and easy. She has lots of great ideas and is very considerate of what you want and are comfortable with. She did a wonderful job capturing my own wedding and has graciously offered to donate $25 of her profits towards the Amy's Violin School fund which benefits all of you through providing scholarships, events, motivational prizes, and more!

Contact her today at 519-697-7577 or priya.mchardie@gmail.com.

Check out her website HERE!

Happy Thanksgiving

There is NO Group Class this Tuesday October 13th. 

Group class will resume on Tuesday October 20th - This is a mandatory rehearsal group class. If you will be absent you must let me know ASAP so we can schedule another rehearsal time.

Whether you're spending the weekend with family at home or are traveling, bring the violins and the music with you. Listen in the car or while preparing for dinner. Play for relatives or maybe share your upcoming recital piece. Above all, whatever you end up doing this weekend, enjoy yourself and take time for yourself throughout all the visiting. Take stock of the things you are thankful for in your life and share these things with your children. Teach them to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of family, no matter how big or small, close or distant.

Happy Thanksgiving!

CORRECTION to LISTENING CHALLENGE

ATTENTION! 

It has been pointed out to me that I made an error on the Listening Challenge.

October 22nd is listed twice which makes the dates following the 22nd, including the recital, INCORRECT. Therefore the recital DOES NOT fall on October 24th.

The recital is SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th. 

The Listening Challenge is due TUESDAY OCTOBER 27th!

My apologizes if this caused any confusion.

I hope everyone is enjoying their listening! Keep working on finding new ways to get that music playing in the background. Whether you are doing homework, playing a game, having dinner, getting ready for bed, reading a book, doing your chores, etc. Play your music!

Parent Education Event Fall 2015 Recap

Missed Tuesday's Parent Education Night? 
Here's what you need to know!

Check out the article we read, "Thank You, Suzuki Parents. Everything you do is much appreciated".

Also, we spoke about how Scholarships are now available for extra events. Ask me if this is something your family might benefit from!

September Recap
Anyone else been feeling like September has been a chaotic, drama filled month? Like nothing has gone quite according to plan and we've had to deal with just a bit too much stress than is really necessary? Let's hope this wave is about to pass as we enter October. When we face times like this it is so easy to get lost in the drama and to let it seep into every area of our life. There is no way to predict when chaos will arise, but we CAN choose how to deal with it. That's why scheduling in time for ourselves, and I highly recommend this time includes getting out into the world, is so critical and is such an important habit and life skill to model for children. Go out and have a mini adventure, do something that you've always wanted to do, or something that scares you. Get out of your head and the drama and remember what it is to just BE.

My weekend fix to all the drama? Rock climbing in Milton at Rattlesnake Point with my Dad and Brother. A temporary escape to clear my head and get myself ready for the upcoming week.

Ready, Set, Listen!

The Listening Challenge starts TODAY!

From Tuesday September 29th to Tuesday October 27th, you have 29 days to developed listening routines and new ways to make listening convenient in your lifestyle.

Pick up your chart at tonight's group class, in lesson or print out your own! Listening Challenge charts are due at the Halloween Costume Party on Tuesday October 27th.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind as you start completing the challenge:

#1 The RED and BLUE challenges can be done anytime, not necessarily on the day they are listed. If you forgot to listen in the car one day, maybe try listening before bed instead and complete the car assignment the next day. Also, there are two Live Music challenges to complete, once again these can be done anytime. Live Music does NOT include attending group class, but can include the October 25th recital.

#2 I Listened can only be checked if you listened to the Suzuki CD. There is no time restriction.

#3 I Listened 3+ hrs. can include 3 hrs of only Suzuki music, or minimum 1.5 hours of Suzuki music and the rest, music of your choosing.

#4 For the Other________ challenge, you must list one other piece of music you listened to that day.

Why Kids Won't Practice - Part 4

Here is the last post to the Practice Series, 

just in time for Tuesday's Parent Education Event! 

Missed the other reasons as to Why Kids Won't Practice? 

Click HERE to find out and get some inspiration on how to approach practice.

#15 - Perfectionism
The perfectionist at any age deals with daily battles because making a mistake, no matter how small, can seem like the end of the world. A child with a perfectionist mindset needs to constantly be reminded that making mistakes is okay and that mistakes allow us to learn and grow. As parents and teachers we must model this behaviour and not put ourselves down when we make mistakes. We must make our expectations for a child crystal clear and to remember to praise the effort, not just the outcome.

#16 - Practice is a maturity thing
Although young children can be taught about responsibility and grow independence year after year, it cannot be expected of them to do everything on their own. We must guide them in getting their homework done, on the importance of eating a balanced meal, getting enough exercise, and practicing their violin. Help your child learn the habit of healthy daily routines now and it will pay off into their teenage and adult years when you won't always be there to make sure they get things done!

#17 - You are your child's biggest influence

If you don't want to practice, neither will your child. If you find it relaxing and calming listening to the Suzuki cd in the car with your child, they will feel this joy with you. If you turn your attention to your cell phone during lesson, your child's attention won't be on the lesson either. What you do, positive or negative, your child imitates. Take time to self reflect on your attitude towards violin lessons and other areas in your life. Be who you want your child to become.

#18 - You are using too many big words
As much as we want to explain and educate children, there is a time and place where words can be effective. Over explaining and using too many words can sometimes loose a child, not because they are incapable of understanding, but because they are not currently in the right state to focus on the words. Children love to do things, so when words are letting you down, DO what you are trying so tirelessly to explain. Not only is doing an activity more fun then just talking about it, but they will probably connect what you were trying to explain to them quicker and more efficiently. 

#19 - Check your tone

This is not to mean the tone on the violin, but our tone as adults. Children can read the slight tonal differences in our voices. They can tell when we become frustrated, if we are satisfied with a practice spot or if it needs to be better. Remember that you are in this together. You are working as a team to complete practice assignments. It is not a time to be critical of one another, but to support one another in this journey of learning an instrument. If something still is not clicking between you and your child during practice, record a practice session and review it with teacher. You may be surprised to see reactions that you didn't know you were making but are upsetting the practice session nonetheless.

#20 - Being firm is not being mean

Being firm is loving your child. It means parenting. As soon as a child starts dictating when they will take a bath, what they will eat for dinner, or that there will be absolutely no music today, we've lost the parenting reins. Be firm, stand your ground, and ride this wave with your child. The storm will pass and you will both be in a better place because of it. Stay strong and connect with other parents in your community. You are not alone.

#21 - Play games, all sorts!

Children love to play games and it is so simple to take a teachable moment and turn it into a game that means something to a child. Copy the games your teacher uses in lesson and make up your own games that you think cater to your child's interests.

#22 - Turn off the TV and other electronic devices!
Do I need to say more?

Happy Practicing!

Welcome Back to Violin Lessons!

It was so exciting seeing everyone back together again at group class this past week. There was so much participation, listening, and friendships being rekindled. I look forward to the next few months working together to prep for recitals and enjoy learning from one another.

What you need to know for September: 

SAO Student Day, Fiddle Registration & Parent Ed Event

The SAO Student Day is on Saturday November 7th and takes place at Althouse Building (Western University). Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Save a stamp and don't mail in your registration, but hand them in at lesson. Registration due October 1st.

Fiddle class continues to run Saturdays 1:30-2:30 at my place. Want to start your fiddle education early? You can find sheet music to all tunes we've learned in past classes in lesson.

Test your knowledge of Suzuki philosophy at the Parent Ed event on Tuesday September 29th and find support from other parents. We are all in this musical journey together! Let's start the year off inspired!

As you continue to get your schedules and routines in check, ask yourself the following questions:

When is daily practice scheduled throughout the week for you and/or your child?

Have you made listening to the Suzuki music convenient and daily?

Is your review chart, jar, calendar, etc. in sight when you practice as a reminder?

Do you have a binder ready to go for all your practice charts and handouts?

Get your ipad, iphone or other mobile devices ready with practice apps: look for free metronomes, tuners, and note naming games!

I have a bunch of posts planned for the next few months. Hopefully you'll find reassurance in what you have already established in your family's 'Suzuki' lifestyle or find inspiration to make some healthy changes. Have a topic you want to discuss or to learn a little bit more about? Let me know!

On another note, music and teaching is such a huge part of my life, but I think it's important for all of us to have other passions and interests other then what we do for a living. Things that we do just for us, for our health, for our sanity, that get us out into the world and experience nature and the freedom and inspiration that comes with it. My dad and I ran a 12km trail run at Fanshawe Park on Saturday September 12th, 2015. Such a great ending to a relaxing summer!

This was such a great event hosted by MEC! So organized and simple. Check out more events at MEC HERE and challenge yourself to a race with a family member or friend!

See the sprint to the end below. We finished together at 1 hr. 17 minutes.

Back to SCHOOL next week, Back to LESSONS the week after

September is HERE! If you don't already know this about me, this is my favourite time of year. My fall decor is out which means ... PUMPKINS! When I turned one years old my mom served me pumpkin pie instead of cake. It's always been one of my favourite things. I feel excited when I walk through stores in July and there is already fall decor available while everyone else is cringing. With September comes Pumpkin muffins, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, homemade pumpkin pie and my newer obsession Pumpkin teas from David's Tea.

I feel lucky in that my work revolves around the school year. Unlike what January feels like for many, September to me is a time of change and renewal. It's a time to set new priorities, routines and schedules.

Kids feel the excitement of this time of year. Starting a new grade, reuniting with friends and making new friends, anticipating Thanksgiving and Halloween, and of course the last big event of the year which I won't mention... yet. My point to all this is that whether you enjoy this time of year or not, find something to be excited for. The little things that we take the time to enjoy can lessen the stress of other areas in our life. Whether its a walk through trails to see the leaves changing colour, or making this years Halloween costume for your kids. No matter how big or small, find something that excites you and take time to watch the excitement in your children. 

I hope everyone has a nice week either back at school, back at work, or back to not needing daily child care! Let's all do our best to set healthy routines and schedules this school year and take a moment to think about how you will fit practice into all the craziness.

One last reminder that there are NO LESSONS next week.

I will see everyone back for lessons on September 14th and group class on September 15th!

Need any tune ups, violin size checks or just to talk about lessons/practice before lessons start? Give me a call, I'll be around home all next week prepping for lessons.

What you need to know for the 2015-2016 School Year

The 2015-2016 school year is just around the corner. With lots of familiar faces and a few new ones, I look forward to seeing everyone in September! Here is what you need to know to get ready for music this year.

Lessons resume SEPTEMBER 14th! 

The first Group Class is SEPTEMBER 15th!

Please refer to the Calendar HERE on a regular basis for all Group Classes, Recitals and Events.

Look for an e-mail confirming your private lesson time(s). 

My schedule is very full and do not have much if any room to move things around. Therefore lesson times are based on what we last spoke about when registration was processed. Please address any concerns but understand that although I would like to meet everyone's specific needs, there might be some compromise in order to fit everyone in. I appreciate your patience and understanding in advance.

Some things to look forward to this year:

First Recital is SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th - many people are already thinking and preparing for Book Graduations! Get back into the swing of performing and support your fellow musicians and the positive steps they are taking to enhance their skills.

SAO Conference in London Ontario - this is an incredible opportunity for students and parents. On SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7th, join other Suzuki students and families from London and the surrounding area as we play and learn together. Students book 3 and up will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in an orchestra and players Book 3 and under will get the chance to learn in a different environment from accomplished Suzuki teachers. What an incredible experience for musicians of all ages and levels. Registration available in September.

Fall Fiddle Class - the 8 week Fall Fiddle Class will start Saturday October 3rd. My fiddle accompanist and myself have recently returned from a Celtic College in Goderich and we look forward to sharing new tunes, dance steps and to put on another great performance for the residents of Masonville Manor! Registration available in September.

Pop Song - last years group class interpretation of Frozen's "Let it Go" was so much fun. I am in the works of arranging another 'rhythmic' pop song for this years Holiday recital that will hopefully live up to the energy of last year! Stay tuned.

Candy Grams and Fundraising - money raised at last years Valentines Recital as well as the purchase of community t-shirts have helped to reduce funds of this years extra event of the SAO Conference. I loved seeing the community building and friendships develop from sending candy grams to group class friends. I look forward to seeing these friendships grow and new ones form as we continue to support our musical journeys and make all extra events accessible to everyone. After all, we are in this together!

NEW Listening Challenge - We've had the Practice and Bingo Challenges the past two years. This Fall will be a Listening Challenge! Stay tuned for details and start a plan now to make listening to music convenient and a priority in your lifestyle.

Parents as Partners Recap #2

Parents as Partners has come to a close. I have found so much inspiration and motivation from all the ideas and perspectives from these videos. Here are a few more snippets and things to think about as you continuing your practicing through the summer months.

Tools for developing a Suzuki Lifestyle:

• Listening - enriches the home environment
• Review - to develop focus and mastery of skills
• Group class - foundation of the Suzuki method. To develop joy in playing and friendships through music. Key for inspiration and motivation to play and practice.
• Love of the child - educating the whole child and enjoying their musical and personal growth.

The Suzuki method is not centered on achievement (what piece or level), but on the overall growth of the child; the journey is what matters.

Praise their effort, not their results. Encourage challenges. 

Don't try to be better then others, learn from others. Observation is key to progress.

One Point Lessons - success breeds success. It is so easy as parents and teachers to pin point many different things that can be improved upon, and sometimes parents my wonder why the teacher isn't addressing certain issues. The reason is the one point lesson: children in the beginning can only focus on one point at a time. Once they find success in improving on this one point and then another one point, and then another, multitasking will eventually develop because they have a foundation of success in focus. However, it's still nice to break it down to that one specific point when we can. 

Repetitive listening makes everything easier! Listening is so powerful when associated with an enjoyable experience. Connect listening to everyday activities and activities they love.

Don't have time to practice today? Sing the repertoire, listen to the repertoire. There are always alternatives so that a day is not wasted and something productive was accomplished, no matter how small.

By allowing us to be detectives in music lessons in figuring out parent child practice relationships, the overall parent child relationship will grow and flourish outside of the music lesson. Allow music to strengthen your relationship with your child!

Missed the first Parents as Partners recap? Click HERE to read it!

Happy Canada Day!

Well, there is a bit of sunlight coming through the mass of clouds as I write this. A cooler day for a nice run through the city. I hope to see you all out enjoying the weather and time spent with family. I just came across an article that I thought I'd share from the violinist.com of violinist Jason DePue's list of top 10 most difficult pieces for the violin. Click HERE for the article.

Guess what's on the list........

Suzuki Violin Book 1 - mastering the basic concepts.

I love this. It can definitely be argued that all the basic skills you learn in and from the pieces in Book 1 can be applied to any violin repertoire. Which is why review and mastering these techniques is key to advanced repertoire success and mastery.

I know that how I play Book 1 is completely different now as a teacher then how I played it in University and how I played it as a teenager. It grows and changes and you continue to realize small teaching points and techniques in what seem like the simplest of pieces.

Do not underestimate the power that Book 1 has in making you a better player and a better musician. So after you enjoy some time outside today, or while you are outside even, get reviewing!

How well can you play Suzuki Violin Book 1?

Calendar of Events Changes

Please excuse my current lack of organizational skills as I have officially made a huge mess of the Calendar of Events.  So, scrap your copy you received in the registration, make sure all these dates are in your calendars!

If you are ever in doubt about lesson and group class times, all dates will be posted on the CALENDAR year round. Save the Calendar page on your computers and phones right now!

Lessons and Group Classes Resume Monday September 14th!

The biggest change to note is when lessons start. Labour day is late this year but lessons will still start the week after the kids get back to school. I will see everyone back for lessons and group classes starting Monday September 14th!

Also, there WILL NOT be group class Tuesday September 8th, but there WILL be group class on Tuesday November 10th!

Notice the change to the last week of lessons, June 6th - June 11th.

Parents as Partners Recap #1

So back in January a few parents from my studio and I signed up for Parents as Partners which is a program offered by the SAA that sends you Suzuki inspired videos right to your inbox each week.

I have to confess, I am just getting to these videos now. I've spent 20 minutes each morning this past week with some breakfast, a tea and a Suzuki video. Some videos were better then others, but overall a lot of great ideas and reminders were portrayed. If you signed up for the videos, make sure to watch them as they will only be available until June 30.
Here's a snippet of what I've heard this past week:

Every Child Can Learn; Every Parent Can Learn

Every lifestyle type can make Suzuki lessons work. Communicate openly with your teacher. There is always a way to make everyday practice happen.

Are music lessons viewed as optional or extra in your family? If yes, then you can guarantee there will be practice problems. But, if music is consistent and as natural as brushing your teeth everyday, practice will never be questioned.

Problems surrounding practice normally have nothing to do with the violin, but it has the do with the current relationship with your child and how they are testing you. Ride the wave with them and stand your ground. Set boundaries and expectations. The more you work on your relationship now, you are preparing both of you for the dreaded teenage years.

Play games in the early years. Play lots of games!

"Never Hurry; Never Stop" - Shinichi Suzuki

Trust your teachers pacing of learning new material. The parent may see many things that are wrong with a piece, but the one point lesson is key to progress and success. Trust the point that your teacher has chosen to touch upon and practice that point the same way the teacher does in lesson when you go home.

"Raise their ability with a piece they can play"

 - Shinichi Suzuki and the importance of review.

Too many voices in lesson confuse and overwhelm the child. 

"Parents should be like wallpaper" - Shinichi Suzuki

There is so much more. Stay tuned for more recaps and keep your Suzuki motivation going!

Registration Available for 2015-2016

Registration is available for the 2015-2016 school year.

Registration is DUE June 13th, 2015.

This due date is IMPORTANT because it secures your spot in the Fall!

In your registration you will find information on purchasing additional summer lessons, along with Fiddle Camp Registration and the Saturday November 7th Suzuki Conference Date listed in the Calendar of Events.

Please mark in your calendars for all recitals/conference dates for next school year:

Sunday October 25th, 2015 at 2:00

Saturday November 7th, 2015 - Suzuki Conference Day!

Sunday November 29th, 2015 at 2:00

Sunday February 7th, 2016 at 2:00

Sunday May 1st, 2016 at 2:00

My Niece - hoping for a visit soon!

Has anyone else been feeling like the month of May slightly resembles the craziness of December? I've been hearing of this parallel throughout the blog world and I am completely feeling it. Schedules are completely up in the air, unexpected events pop up, there are illnesses and allergies that arise at inconvenient times, and there are too many events to schedule into too little time. Hopefully June will be a month of some relaxation, fresh air and a chance to breathe for us all.

Speaking of June and the summer months, how can we make it through summer and not have September be a month of review and struggling to get back into the practice routine?


KEEP LISTENING. KEEP PLAYING. It's not always about progress over the summer, it's about maintaining our skills and/or growing them in new ways such as attending music camps, going to festivals and shows, putting on a home concert for family and friends or trying something new. Check out an old post HERE which features festivals and shows near you!

KEEP LISTENING. KEEP PLAYING. Keep playing the pieces we love to play, review the pieces that may give us trouble and enjoy the process of using our skills learned in lesson to try and fix problem pieces. Enjoy playing just to play.

I love how quickly the gardens fill in (taken 3 weeks ago).
This gnome has vanished now!

Aside from maintaining our musical abilities over the summer, I encourage all of you to get outside and do something active. You will find me running and cycling around London, rock climbing at Junction (and if I build up the courage on an actual outdoor rock wall in Milton!) and working up to a run and cycle around Fanshawe Lake (20km). Whatever it is that interests you, get out there and do it and bring some family and friends along. The hardest part sometimes is just taking that first step out the door, but once you do, incredible things can happen.

Baby Sienna

Welcoming my niece Sienna to the world this week! 

Both parents (my brother and his wife) are doing well.

Congratulations!

We couldn't have asked for a better Year End Recital day. I had such a nice afternoon playing with all of you! I feel so grateful to be a small part of so many families lives and to share with you all the joy in making music. It's been a wonderful year and I was so impressed by how prepared everyone was and how we all worked together to put on a great show for our family and friends.

One last reminder that there are no lessons this week unless we spoke about making one up. I will see everyone back for regular lessons after Mother's Day weekend for 4 more weeks of lessons before summer schedule.

You can find the summer schedule sign up sheet in lessons next week. Already planning your summer schedule? Send me an e-mail and we can book your summer lesson times early. You all have two lessons included in your tuition to sign up for.

Anyone else enjoying their tulips?

One other bit of exciting news, it looks like I might become an Aunt today! More details soon.

T-shirts, Arrival Times, Wishing

T-shirts are in! Pick yours up in lesson this week.

The dress code for the recital will be your Amy's Violin School t-shirt and dark bottoms.

Arrival times for the recital will vary a bit:
EVERYONE should arrive no later than 1:40 to be tuned and to find your spot in the pews.

FIDDLE CLASS arrival is 1:20 to rehearse.

CHAMBER MUSIC (Tzena Tzena) arrival is 1:30 to rehearse.

Please be singing Wishing together in the car, on the way to school, on the way to lesson, while getting breakfast in the morning, during after dinner dishes, etc.

And here are a couple videos to help with your singing prep!



I love this video, those three boys are just too cute.

May 3rd Recital Repertoire

No Group Tuesday April 7th

3 Rehearsal Group Classes:

Tuesday April 14th

Tuesday April 21st

Tuesday April 28th

With only three group classes left we are on our way towards the year end recital on May 3rd at 2:00. Attendance is mandatory for these group classes so we can all be prepared for not only what pieces we will be playing but how we will be playing them as a group!

Start playing all the pieces you know from the list below everyday between now and the recital.

Parents: bring a note book to class so you can make note of what dynamics we use, how we start and end a piece, whether your child is playing the melody or harmony, and anything else you may want to remember and practice at home.

* means with duet part from Suzuki duet book. Those playing the duet parts will be assigned in lessons & group.

Book 1

Twinkle Theme*

Twinkle Variation*

Lightly Row*

O Come Little Children*

May Song*

Perpetual Motion

Andantino

Minuet 1*

Happy Farmer

Book 2

Musette

Long Long Ago

Two Grenadiers

Book 3

Martini Gavotte

Book 4

Vivaldi Concerto A Minor, 3rd Movement

Other Performances

Chamber Music - Tzena, Tzena

Advanced Repertoire - Csardas by V. Monti

Winter Fiddle Class

Wishing Sing Along!

Hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend!

Start Planning Your Musical Summer!

Leahy Camp - In Lakefield Ontario

I attended this camp last year. You get to stay at the beautiful Lakefield College. Spend the mornings learning fiddle tunes on your major instrument and the afternoon learning new skills on secondary instruments. I did fiddle and step dance. I took part in a recording and multiple live shows. The musicians they have running the camp (the Leahy Family) and the guest instructors were incredible and all had something different to offer.

If you've taken the step into playing Celtic Music, this is a great camp to attend.

Cost for living (room & all meals) + 5 days of instruction:
Approx. $650 - $800
Dates: June 28th - July 2nd


Summer Fiddle Camp - in London (my place!)

Stay close to home and join me every day for a week to play and learn fiddle tunes, step dance and percussion! Improve on your sight reading and listening skills and well as theory understanding and proficiency on the violin. Working together we will put on a show for the residence of Masonville Manor on the last day of camp. Don't miss out on this wonderful immersion of celtic music!


Cost: $90
Dates: July 6th - 11th, 10:00-11:30



Sunfest
July 9-12 in Victoria Park!
FREE!


Home County Folk Festival
July 17-19 in Victoria Park!
FREE!


Goderich Celtic Roots Festival: College & Kids Camp - in Goderich

I have not attended this college myself but my fiddle accompanist has and has enjoyed it the past two years.

They always bring in a wide variety of Canadian artists and even if the week camp won't work for your schedule, consider attending the festival for a day. Lots of craft shops, food, and live entertainment all day!

Click the link in the title to access registration information.
Classes run August 3-6. Festival runs August 7-9.


Suzuki Institutes - Across Canada and the United States

I have only attended these institutes as a teacher but have many students who have participated. As a teacher, it is a complete immersion into the Suzuki method. You come out of it motivated and energized, full of inspiration and new things to try! I've heard this same response from the parents and students who have attended. The institute is full of other people who live and support the same lifestyle that you do. What an incredible experience to share with your child and remember always!

Check out the SAA for all Suzuki summer camps across Canada and the United States.

I recommend Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute (SOSI)
Cost: click link above for registration information
Dates: August 9-14


Know of any other music camps or festivals through the summer you'd like to recommend? Comment below and tell me in lesson!

Fundraiser T-shirts

Well, March Break is coming to a close. Even though I've spent the week with a head cold, we got lots of spring cleaning accomplished and preparation for the upcoming weeks. I hope you all had a productive week whether you had to spend the week working, taking care of the kids, or vacationing in the sunshine! Let's head into spring feeling refreshed and ready to work!

We will be dressing in comfort for the upcoming May 3rd Year End Recital. As a way to continue adding to the school's fund, purchase a T-shirt to unite us at the recital. This will be the dress code for the recital along with black bottoms.


Click HERE to view sizing of the shirts.

Shirts are lightweight, preshrunk poly/cotton blend, tag-less and moisture wicking. Great to carry you through your summer activities! Here's what they will look like ------------->

I am also excited to announce that we will be taking some professional group photos at the recital! Every one must fill out a photo consent form (available in lesson and group). FREE digital copies of the pictures will be available after the recital upon request.

Tell your friends and family to schedule the May 3rd Recital at 2:00 in their calendars. It will be a great afternoon of music followed by a celebratory reception to a wonderful year of making music together at Siloam United Church! See you all there!

Two Celtic Shift Shows!

You've got two chances this week to catch me playing with Celtic Shift to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Friday March 13th at 8:00 pm in Ailsa Craig
At Ye Olde Town Hall, 150 Main Street
Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 at the door

Saturday March 14th at 7:00 pm in London
At The Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West
Featuring Celtic Shift, Grace Lou on Erhu and other special guests
Tickets: $15 per person, $25 per family under one roof.
A Family Event. Light lunch and licensed cash bar.

Next Group Class - Show & Tell!

Well, Tuesday was a terrible day weather wise, but group class became a great distraction. I brought in my big brother's cello and the class got to act as teacher and help me make some changes to some Suzuki cello pieces. I had a blast getting to play some of what I've been slowly working on and I hope everyone enjoyed getting to hear and see the differences and similarities between the cello and violin.

Next week is Show & Tell!
If you have an instrument or anything musical at home that either you play or would like to share with the class, bring it with you next week! Our musical capabilities are rarely secluded to one instrument. Maybe you sing or play percussion or guitar, maybe even dance! Maybe there is an instrument that has been passed down through the family or even a piece of artwork with a music theme. I will talk to everyone in lesson and see what everyone might want to bring in to share. 

Happy music making! 

Climbing Through Life; Suzuki Style

Well, February has flown by and I'm behind on my post plan already for the new year. I have numerous drafts but I've been lazy in finishing the last few details. Not that I'm lacking in ideas, but in motivation from too much time being spent under blankets, drinking really hot tea, watching netflix and dreaming of warmer days. Hopefully the worst of the winter is behind us.

I had a blast at the first two fiddle classes for 2015. We learned new notes and played because we love to play. Whether we new every note or not or could keep up with energy filled, fast paced tunes, the room was filled with smiles.

At group class last week, everyone participated in jamming to Humouresque, From listening intently, to trying to figure out notes, to bowing on our shoulders, to lightly plucking along, it was a true jam session.

I am looking forward to all that is left to learn these last two months before the year end recital on May 3rd, however what I really wanted to share is my new interest. Since this past Christmas I've been rock climbing and bouldering at Junction, here in London. I've had bruised knees, scrapped knuckles, and nightmares about falling. Yet, I keep going back because there is an addiction in figuring out a tricky route and adrenaline in reaching the top of a wall. So what does rock climbing have to do with learning the violin through the Suzuki method? So many things and despite my bumps and bruises, it is very safely run and you only have to push yourself as far as you are comfortable (I just like to push myself past my comfort zone!)

How rock climbing and bouldering compares to learning the violin through the Suzuki method:

1. All ages and levels

From climbing mothers bringing in newborns in carriers and first time toddlers, elementary school and high schoolers, university clubs, middle aged and up; with a variety of routes to choose from, there is something for every age and level to try and benefit from. 

2. Review the basics

Start with the beginning levels and then gradually work your way up, all the while, constantly coming back to routes you've once completed to make them easier and to work on trickier things like technique. The more we thoroughly master the easy routes, the sooner we'll be able to tackle the more advanced routes. 

Doesn't a picture like this make your stomach drop? I've
yet to climb an actual rock wall. I'll stick to indoor
climbing for now!

3. Small steps

When stuck on a challenging route, break it in to pieces. Once you feel comfortable with the small chunks, put the route back together. 

4. Repetition

Review, small steps, repeat. Review, small steps, repeat. Don't give up!

5. Community and support

Advanced climbers belay beginners and beginners (once certified) belay advanced climbers. Everyone works together to support and learn from one another. While resting our arms, we constantly observe other climbers and get ideas and motivation from them. Non-climbers come and support their climbing friends and family and their accomplishments, big and small. Every step and every hold is a learning moment and a personal growth.

6. Environment
Everyone is helpful and supportive and there to learn and have fun. Everyone can learn and grow at their own speed. All ages and levels can climb together and encourage one another. There is no one way to climb a wall; everyone has their own approach and style on a route. How one person figures out a route may not be the same as another does. It's the journey to the top that matters.

Any of this sound familiar? Are there any other activities you've noticed in your life that resemble the steps we take in learning to play the violin?

Ask me about what I've been doing and see if it's something you'd like to try for you or your family. 

Click HERE to find out more about Junction Climbing!