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!