Thank You, Suzuki Parents

I had a wonderful time at last nights Parent Ed event.

Part of what I love about my job is the freedom and flexibility to try new things. To be adventurous and different, while still sticking to what is routine and familiar. To learn is to try. Even if when we try and it doesn't turn out quite like how we wanted, we still learn in the process, and I want to keep learning. A well used Suzuki quote is that “Every Child Can Learn” and while this realization is the basis of teaching children music so young, it for sure does not only apply to children. We can all learn and we can all continue to learn.

I think every parent last night learned something, both from reading the articles and from listening to the other parents. So many important topics were addressed such as review strategies, practice strategies, posture motivation, educating the whole child through music, institutes, the importance of not comparing your child to other children, the list goes on and on. They were important topics and everyone had an understanding of them all. I definitely learned more about all of you. Each one of you spoke so eloquently despite those who had to speak over the lovely piano playing (I apologize for this. But we all made it work!). You definitely all did your homework and you did your homework well. An A+ to all of you!

So, thank you, Suzuki Parents. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to try new things week after week. Thank you for choosing to give your children music education. Thank you for supporting Amy's Violin School and for your kind words. You are all incredible parents.

I left class last night with a boost of energy. I was so excited by the enthusiasm and ideas and thoughtfulness that came from all the parents meeting and supporting one another. I look forward to reading through all the articles chosen and plan to have them available in lesson to read as well as posting article summaries on the blog to highlight the topics that you all agreed are important.

I also want to give a special Thank You to Lukas and Drew for helping out during the class so that the parents can meet. These Parent Education Events are essential and they have run smoothly these past few years because of your commitment and time. You both are truly appreciated. 

Thank you, Suzuki Parents! I look forward to our next meeting in February!

Parent Ed Event on Tuesday September 27th

Well, Fall has officially started and thank goodness the weather is reflecting it this weekend. It's so nice to have the windows open and to comfortably sit outside and get some reading done!

I look forward to seeing all the parents this Tuesday September 27th as we gather for the first Parent Ed Event of the school year. You all took home an SAA Journal with the assignment to read some articles that look interesting and to bring in one article to share with the group.

I will collect all the magazines at the end and put together a resource of the articles that were recommended by all of you to access and read in lesson!

I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday!

Group Class #1 Recap

Hey Everyone, it was so great getting together once again at Group Class last night. This is such a unique class with varying ages and levels and there is so much to learn from one another. Here is a recap of this evenings events and everything you need to know to make the following group classes successful for everyone.

Parent Education Event Assignment

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS! Every parent received an SAA Journal in class tonight. You have two weeks to read through your journal and pick out one or two articles that you liked and be prepared to share the article at the September 27th Parent Education Event. Sharing the article would include a few ideas in your own words as to what the article is about or you could read a passage that you liked from the article. I will collect all chosen articles after class and put together a Parent Ed Resource that you all can access in lesson of articles that you all have found inspiring.

As I mentioned, this is not meant to be a lot of work on your part. It is meant to be a few minutes of reading over the next couple of weeks that will hopefully inspire you in one way or another or to give you more information about the Suzuki method. Enjoy your reading!

NEW Group Policy

Group Class is NOT a drop off class. For insurance purposes, parents must accompany their child(ren) if under the age of 16. Therefore, children (16 & under) are not to be dropped off and left unattended. 

Returning Group Policies

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class starts.
Every Parent Education Event and every Rehearsal is MANDATORY.
Electronics Off & Away during class.

Getting to Group Class & Avoiding Construction

Consider arriving to Group Class from Highbury rather than Adelaide. This way you avoid most of the construction and can turn right into Siloam instead of left. Give yourself a few extra minutes to accommodate any delays.

Attendance and Punctuality

Group Class does not run as regular as private lessons. Therefore it is important to take advantage of all scheduled group classes. There is a lot to be learned and many skills to develop from those of all ages who attend group class that cannot be learned in the private lesson. Punctuality to class is also imperative so there is time to relax, unpack, get tuned and find a spot on the stage. It can be very stressful, especially for the young ones, to come into class after it has started and to interrupt the class to get tuned and not be able to find a conformable spot on the stage.

NEW Theory Trivia Challenge

This year we are trying out a Theory Trivia Challenge. Test your knowledge in Group Class on note naming, parts of the violin, time signatures, symbols, key signatures, etc. Win a prize for your knowledge gained!

Welcome Back!

It's back to school and to violin lessons this week! Back to school to me means the beginning of autumn. Even though it's still a few weeks away, fall decor (meaning pumpkins!) has made it's way into my home. The next four months are my favourite time of year and I look forward to once again sharing it with all of you!

The cat approves of this years fall decor!

These next 12 weeks are going be a whirlwind of excitement. From posture challenges to graduations in October, NEW Holiday repertoire and a Parent Education Event. There is going to be lots to do as we approach the Holidays (which are coming a month earlier for me this year, along with an early Christmas present!)

I look forward to checking in with everyone this week in lesson to see what happened during the summer and to create some goals for the school year.

The second week of lessons we will get back into Group Class on Tuesday September 13th at 5:00 at Siloam United Church.

Keep in mind that there is still construction on Fanshawe. If you are finding it backed up travelling East on Fanshawe, maybe consider coming from the West off of Highbury road (then you can also turn right into Siloam instead of left). As always, please do your best to arrive to class promptly so there is time to relax, unpack, get tuned and find a spot on the stage. It can be very stressful, especially for the young ones, to come into class after it has started and to interrupt the class to get tuned and not be able to find a conformable spot on the stage.

I am so excited to try out some new things in Group Class this year like a Vibrato Club and a Theory Trivia Challenge. I am also anticipating our Holiday recital and what we can accomplish through new duets and ensembles! Let's get to work!