Family Inspiration

I've been reflecting on the past few weeks of lessons and some of the things I've heard and seen from my Suzuki families. Some students have gotten into great practice routines while others are still struggling to make new habits. Some follow their review charts precisely while others are a bit more choosy. Whatever your practice challenges may be, the start of Spring signifies the return of routine and a second chance to set healthy habits.

I'm taking motivation today from my some of my students who are working hard to make music an important part of their daily lives. I hope they don't mind me sharing their stories.

Start a family band or weekly kitchen party!
I know many families who not only have children playing the violin, but siblings who play other instruments or the parents play instruments themselves. Gather as a family with the instrument of your choice and play anything together. Even the youngest in the family can join in with simple percussion instruments like shakers or drums. Have fun experimenting and enjoying the time together being creative.

Family Review Time
Start practice off with a challenge. Assign a leader for the week (a family member). The leader must initiate the start of practice for the day and lead the family through review pieces. Then you may all break away and work on your own repertoire. If the leader forgets to initiate practice for the day, the leader loses all electronic privileges. So proud of this family for such an amazing idea!

Set daily practice with another daily activity
Many students are finding success in pairing daily practice with another daily activity such as breakfast or dinner, getting home from school or after homework. For older students or adults who have more work and less time for extra curriculars, remember that a few minutes of music is a healthy brain boost which can make your extended studies more successful.

New commitments to Review Charts
Many students are taking a new interest in developing review habits. Whether it is following a review chart or picking random pieces from a bowl, challenge yourself to play a handful of review pieces everyday.

Review Book Challenge
Set a timer and see how long it takes you to play through one whole Suzuki book from start to finish. Not only is this an excellent test of our how well we know our review pieces but also an endurance challenge. Reflect on the hard work and dedication it has taken to be able to play and know so many pieces!

Listening in the Car
This is a great use of time for listening. Many families are finding success in listening to their current and up coming repertoire on the way to and from music lessons and other extra curricular activities. The more we listen, the more we know.

Great work everyone! Keep challenging yourselves and one another to find fun and inspiring ways to enhance your musical studies!