March 5th Recital Fundraising

It's a week until the March 5^th Recital! This recital features solo performances, graduating students and fundraising for Amy's Violin School.

Make sure to come early (1:30 arrival time please!) in order to get your violins ready and to check out the fundraising table where you will find candy grams to send to friends in group class as well as some great new raffle items!

Raffle tickets and Candy Grams are all $1 each or 6 for $5.

Here's a sneak peak at some of the items:

Parent Ed Event 2017

It was a smaller gathering this past Parent Ed Event, but we went over some details concerning the next few months of lessons as well as read a simple book with a profound message. Here is a recap of what we discussed.

The Year End Recital is scheduled for Sunday May 14th, which is Mother's Day. It's seems as if this should not pose any absences so we will go ahead with this recital date as planned. Let me know ASAP if you know for sure you will be unable to attend because it is Mother's Day.

We will be doing some fundraising at the March 5th Recital! Everyone will receive an update on how much is in the fund, what the money has gone towards and future uses for the money earned. On March 5th, there will be the opportunity to send candy grams to friends in group class as well as the chance to win some raffle prizes with some new goodies this year!

The Parents as Partners Event is underway. If anyone else would like to sign up for $12, please let me know!

PARENT ASSIGNMENT for February 28th GROUP CLASS! Parents are challenged to an assignment at the next group class to notice something positive that their child has done in group class or lesson and something they have notice another student do in class.

Group on February 28th is a MANDATORY REHEARSAL!

Lastly, we read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss. Although I generally use this book in the Small Steps Baby, Toddler and Parent Music Class, it reminds us of the importance of helping children develop strong character traits such as perseverance, hard work, accepting challenges, never giving up, and believing in themselves. As adults, this book reminds us that our children do not learn or develop instantaneously. Everything takes time. Even how we learn as adults takes time. But if we work at our goals everyday, we will succeed.

Thank you Suzuki Parents!

Character First Challenge

A famous quote by Shinichi Suzuki is, "Character First, Ability Second." Suzuki music lessons are not just about developing a child's musical ability, but nurturing strong character traits. Who we are as human beings comes before our ability to do a certain skill well. After all, if we are determined enough, we can accomplish just about anything, but without character, many of our potential skills may fail.

Here are some things we can consider doing concerning Suzuki Violin lessons:

Helping others

Coming to class prepared

Trying your best

Raising your hand

Listening to teacher, parents & peers

Asking for help

Doing things even when they are challenging

Never giving up

Setting goals

Being honest

Supporting peers

Entering class quietly & promptly

There are endless ways to develop character in the lesson and at home. Parents, make your own list of character traits you want for your child and encourage positive behaviour on a daily basis. 

I will be keeping track of all the amazing things I see everyone do in class and at lesson and will be encouraging new behaviours and skills on a weekly basis. Those who have made the most effort will be recognized before the Year End Recital!

"I want to QUIT"

We've heard this phrase from the three years old through teenagers. There will come a time when your child reaches a level of frustration or overwhelm, quite possibly not even related to practicing the violin, and yet the dreaded phrase comes out. More often then not, when teachers hear this phrase it is accompanied by the parents concern of, "maybe my child just doesn't like the violin anymore. Maybe we should try something else."

The problem surrounding the issue, "I want to quit violin" is that we can treat music lessons as an extra part of our lifestyle. Even though as Suzuki teachers we relate learning music to the importance of brushing our teeth, eating our vegetables, exercising, doing homework, etc. it still seems like music can be last on the list of things to do in a day. But does it need to be?

How often does your child fight you on bed times or taking a bath, eating their well balanced meal or finishing their homework? We all have times when we want to quit everything in our lives. But when we make the decision as to what will fit into our lifestyle, it shouldn't matter how many "I QUITs" are thrown out there. Music will not be going anywhere. Your child will thank you one day for not letting them quit music lessons and for helping them make practice fun and worthwhile. I am so grateful to my mom for making music an important part of our lifestyle, especially during the times when I didn't want to do it anymore.

Communicate with your teacher regularly when the "I Quits" come around and come up with a game plan for moving forward. As much as we feel our situations are unique and they are in many ways, WE ARE NEVER ALONE. Someone else has felt what you are feeling and has gone through similar struggles. Most likely your teacher has dealt with similar situations and will give you some things to try. Bring up your concerns at the next parent education night! Suzuki Violin lessons are not just about building a community for the kids, but a support system of parents who all care about the same things. Keep being the amazing parents that you are and stay strong with what you know is the best for your kids!

See you all at the next Parent Education night on Valentines Day, Tuesday February 14th!

P.S. Maggie is now 2 months old!

Parents as Partners Event 2017

It's time for the Parents as Partners Event and this year brings some changes. Not only can you access the videos until October now, but you have some options as to how to view the content. As always, you will receive an e-mail with the links to the videos, but also available will be podcasts and transcripts, so no matter what you are doing (even if it's endless diaper changes and nursing!) you can access the videos from any electronic device and listen, watch or read them. What a great convenience to continue our Suzuki studies and to gather some inspiration for the New Year!

The first 5 registrants are FREE! All other registrants pay $12, so sign up quick in lesson!