Conference Summary

Well, I'm sorry to say that the conference exhibits were rather disappointing. Hundreds of violins to try out and purchase, but hardly any violin accessories or practice helpers. I picked up a few new lesson gadgets, some piano harmonies, new tonalization exercises, Christmas tunes for 4 violins, and some revised Suzuki Cello to continue my painful attempt at learning the cello. Although I don't have anything tangible to bring home to you (other than some free printable practice aids) I think what I do have to offer is even better; and that is knowledge gained. 

I have a whole notebook and mind full of new ideas and inspiration. I've heard so many wonderful speakers from both older and newer generations. From those with first hand Shinchi Suzuki experiences to new ideas on maintaining music education in a fast paced ever changing world to the immense necessity of our Suzuki Early Childhood Education program (more on this later). 

One thing that is irrefutable and was impossible to escape this weekend is the importance music has in shaping our lives and our character.

Music helps us to learn, focus, discover, heal, survive, grow and love.

Every one can learn music. You can never been too young or too old.

Everyone has the capacity to let music change them for the better.

I look forward to our last full week of lessons before summer and am so excited about new ideas for the fall. I would like to leave you all with a simple yet beautiful Suzuki quote which I want you all to focus on and remember over the summer months:

"Beautiful tone, beautiful heart."

Let's continue to provide high quality models for children to listen to and encourage them to always listen to the quality of their own sound, to ask questions, and to never give up.

One last reminder: 

Pool Party at Sharon's is on for this Saturday May 31st at 2:00. 

Bring your bathing suits, a snack to share and your violins!

Off to Minneapolis

I'm off to Minneapolis tomorrow until Monday. Please feel free to continue to send me any e-mails, including signing up for summer lessons and practice questions. 

I also wanted to tell you all that because of the incredible turnout at the past two silent auctions, the money raised is covering the majority of this trip. This is because of all of you and your continued support and generosity. Thank you all so much for the contributions that continue to make the Thames Valley Suzuki School an incredible growing community. I hope to bring back some unique violin trinkets from the many exhibits that will be at the conference. If there is anything specific you may be looking for your child, please let me know and I'll see what I can find. Thank you again.

One other big announcement is please notice my name change on the registration forms.
My new name is Amy Barten. 
Please make the 12 monthly postdated cheques out to this name.

I also have a new e-mail on the registration; amybarten5@gmail.com. 
Please make this change in your contacts list. I will have both e-mails open for a while, but get into the habit now of the new address so there won't be any confusion when I do close the account.

I hope everyone had a nice long weekend. One year ago yesterday (May 19th), Steve and I got married on just as sunny and warm a day. I am truly convinced that the older we get, the faster time flies. Each year that passes seems to get shorter and shorter. It is so easy to get caught up in the stresses of the day and forget all the moments that really truly matter and all the people in our lives that make every hard day worth getting through. I prescribe that on the next sunny day we have, to take your family and enjoy some time outside just being together. Leave the electronics at home and enjoy everyone just as they are. These moments are the ones that will stick with us and will make our relationships stronger.

See everyone in a week!

Summer Lesson Schedule

Registration is ready this week! All registration is due June 1st. 

The 12 cheques must be made out to Amy Barten.

The $50 registration fee must be made out to Thames Valley Suzuki School.

Everyone gets two summer lessons included in their tuition. All other summer lessons are $25 per half hour, or if you sign up for three or more, they are only $18 per half hour.

Here are the dates and times available for summer lessons. There will be a sign-up sheet in lesson. Feel free to send me an e-mail with requests.

Summer Schedule

Wednesday June 18th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Thursday June 26th 2:00-7:00

Thursday July 10th 2:00-7:00

Wednesday July 16th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Thursday July 24th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Wednesday August 6th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Thursday August 14th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Wednesday August 20th 9:00-11:30, 3:00-7:00

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Super Moms! 

You are all such incredible models, especially when times are tough. 

Never give up and always keep trying. As long as you try, you are giving your children the best childhood possible. 

Enjoy the day with your families as they appreciate all that you do even if they don't always say it or seem to show it enough. 

You are never alone. You are always loved.