Suzuki Violin Graduations

I am anticipating this year to be a big year for Suzuki Book 1 Graduations. There have been many students working their way through Book 2 knowing that the chance to graduate from their first Suzuki Book is right around the corner.

The two recitals throughout the year designated for graduations are the October and February Recitals. For our performers sake, as well as our audience, it is nice to have these recitals even in terms of the recital repertoire. Therefore, because of the interest in Graduating Book 1, not everyone eligible will be able to graduate in the October recital.

For those interested in graduating, I will be deciding who graduates when based on who has been waiting the longest and who is the most prepared. I will of course take requests but will ultimately be making the most even and fair decision I can. After all, as much as I love the Suzuki repertoire and listening to all of you play, I'm not sure we all want to hear 6-8 Gossec Gavottes in ONE recital. We may all be pulling our hair out by the end!

If you want to graduate this year, especially if it is Book 1, please speak to me ASAP so that I can plan for it, and so that you/your child can start preparing! The first week of lesson may be too late the secure your graduation spot for October (just something to keep in mind. There is never any rush to graduate).

Not sure what it means to Graduate from a Suzuki Book? 
Check out the guidelines below:

1. Perform the recital piece for your graduating book at a graduation recital
2. Create a recording of two polished pieces in Books 1 & 2, and one polished piece in Book 3
3. Write a self reflection based on the recording(s)
4. Give a spot (group) performance on recital day of a piece chosen from the lowest graduating book

Graduation Repertoire

Book 1 - Gossec Gavotte                 Book 2 - Boccherini Gavotte

Book 3 - Bach Bouree                      Book 4 - Vivaldi A Minor Concerto, 1st Mvt.

Book 5 - Vivaldi G Minor Concerto, 1st Mvt.                      Book 6 - Corelli's La Folia

Books 7-10 To be decided by teacher and student

Happy Practicing!

Summer Adventures

Summer is coming to a close with just over 2 weeks remaining. I've heard about cottage trips (where the violins took the trip!) and flights taken. I've heard about so many different camps that have inspired new interests and days at home just relaxing. Whatever you have accomplished this summer, I hope you all have enjoyed yourselves and the people around you.

My summer adventures have included:

Being in my second trimester and starting to feel the baby move (A LOT!)

Hiking at the Bruce Penninsula & Niagara Glen

Running a 10 km obstacle course

Shopping at the St. Jacobs Market and Mennonite Furniture shop (got a beautiful rocking chair for the nursery - highly recommend their furniture)

Checking out the music at the Home County Folk Festival & at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival

Rocking climbing in Quebec at Altitude Rock Gym at 25 weeks pregnant - cannot believe it! (see pictures) 

My baby shower next week!

Need some last minute summer adventures? Check out Junction Climbing here in London. I also recommend running/walking/biking at Fanshawe Conservation and Komoka Provincial Park. You don't have to go far from home to find adventure and beautiful trails. 

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and make sure to take some time to do absolutely NOTHING before the busyness of the fall starts. I cannot wait for the FALL, although a little disappointed I'll have to limit my intake of Pumpkin Spice Lattes this year! :)

It's August! Let's Reconnect

The baby planning is underway and it has been so much fun setting up the nursery. But that's not what this blog is about. It's about all of you. And there is lots in store for this next year of violin lessons! Whether you've been in my studio for the past 5 years or are new to Suzuki violin lessons, there will be some of the same things as past years and lots of new things to try out. Hopefully there will be something throughout the year that will inspire you or allow you to look at things in a new light.

The first new thing for this year is the SCHEDULE. You all will be getting lots of reminders but here is the first of few so that we can all get through this year smoothly. If you are ever in doubt of the schedule, you can find all dates HERE. They are also posted in lesson on the white board.

Violin lessons start back the FIRST week of school. For Monday students, that means LABOUR DAY MONDAY! If you plan on being away Labour Day, please speak with me ASAP as we may be able to move your lesson to Tuesday for that week.

Group Class does not start the first week of school, but the second week of school on September 13th.

Fiddle Class Registration will also be available within the next couple weeks. Fiddle Class will run Saturdays 1:30-2:30 on the following dates:

Sept. 17th, Oct. 1st, Oct. 15th, Oct. 22nd, Oct. 29th, Nov. 5th, Nov. 12th, Nov. 19th.

The Final Fiddle Show will be announced ASAP.

Our first recital is Sunday October 16th at 2:00. This recital is a chance for Graduations and solo performances. It is never too soon to think of what your next solo challenge will be!

It's going to be a busy year for Graduations! If you are wanting to graduate from a Suzuki Book, especially if it is Book 1, please speak with me ASAP. All those wanting to graduate from Book 1, and there are many of you, may not be able to graduate at the October recital. Some will need to graduate in February in order to keep the recitals even in terms of repertoire. Whether you perform in October or February will be based on who speaks with me about it sooner rather than later, who has been waiting the longest and who is the most prepared.

Our Holiday Recital is Nov. 20th at 2:00 (keeping my fingers crossed that the baby goes to full term!). One way or another, we will gather for some duets, ensembles and some fun playing holiday favorites and fiddle tunes! Have a favourite holiday tune that you would like to hear at this years recital? Please let me know and I would love to include it!

As of now, I will be taking Maternity Leave starting November 27th (my due date, yikes!). If you have any changes to your contact information over the next few months please let me know right away so I can keep you all up to date on if and when my maternity leave needs to change.

That's whats in store for the next few months. Can't wait to see what we all can accomplish!