NEW WEBSITE!

 Amy's Violin School has a new look!

CLICK HERE to check out the site!

Everyone Can Learn: TIME

T  I  M  E

This one is especially hard for me. My environment I can control, I can mold it and change it and make it how I want. How consistent and committed and motivated I am is also up to me. I can schedule and plan and create new habits and routines until I find something that works. 

But time...

It is constant. Time doesn't wait for us. It never goes fast enough when we are waiting for change and it never slows down when we want things to stay the same. 

If we are in a battle against time, then we are missing the big picture. If we are too focused on the end result and the product, then we aren't enjoying and learning from the journey. 

Plant a seed and watch it grow...

Shinichi Suzuki used the analogy of planting a seed and watching it grow when teaching children. I think it can be applied to those of all ages as well. Planting a seed is just the first step. In order for the seed to grow, we must water the soil, give it enough sunlight, and nurture it's environment. We must be consistent and give it time. Growth won't happen right away and since every seed is different, there's no way to predict precisely when we will see growth.  

Just because we can't always see growth happening with our kids, doesn't mean growth isn't there. Every step, the big ones and the small, are monumental and deserve our attention and our presence. There is no sense in rushing the process. Instead, we can try to be present in the process because that is what we can control. Being present is exactly where our kids need us to be.

Kids will learn to walk when they are ready to walk, they will learn to read when they are ready to read, they will learn everything they need to learn when they are ready. We as parents are also learning how to be parents as we go. We are all just figuring it out as we go and we all deserve whatever time it takes us to get there. We are never late or early. We are exactly where we are suppose to be. 

When a flower doesn't bloom, 

you fix the environment in which it grows, 

not the flower.

We are not broken. Parents and kids are never broken. We always have the opportunity available to us to change, evolve, grow and LEARN if we can be consistent, consider our environment and give it time. 

Everyone Can Learn: CONSISTENCY

Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently - Marie Forleo

Children thrive off of routines and schedules. Knowing what to expect and what is going to happen next provides safety and security. But not just for kids... developing routines, schedules, systems and habits can provide security, productivity, fulfillment and even a greater sense of happiness and purpose to those of all ages. When we are consistent, we are progressively working toward something. Whether this is developing a healthier lifestyle, a practice schedule, working to pay off debt, potty training, etc. It all comes down to consistency. Until we are consistent, we are unable to evaluate what is working and what is not. Until we are consistent, we are unable to grow. 

When we are trying out new routines and schedules with young kids it can be discouraging when things don't go according to plan. They might argue and resist, act out or refuse. But until we are consistent, they don't know that we mean business. Until we are consistent, they don't know that this isn't going away. Until we are consistent, they aren't given a chance to understand. 

                        You should only practice on the days you eat - Shinichi Suzuki

We can be consistent in practice by setting a schedule.

Set a schedule for practice and then commit to it - but be realistic. If you have committed to practicing everyday at 5:00, but three days out of the week it is a real struggle to make it work, then acknowledge that. Brainstorm another way. Maybe try a different time of day or shift the expectation for that day, and  then keep going. Being consistent doesn't mean you can't be flexible. Being consistent means that when it doesn't work out the first time, or the 50th time, we still continue to try, one small step at a time.

            It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop - Confucius

We can be consistent in practice by developing a routine.

The biggest time waster with practice is not knowing what to practice. Practice should consist of the following blocks: a warm-up, review, technique, run through of your working piece and repetition chunks of small spots. Lastly, you can end practice with anything else fun you want to play! Other then the warm-up, you can put these blocks in any order you like. If you can consistently follow an order or routine to your practice, you'll spend less time wondering what you should be working on and more time practicing (in the end either making your practice shorter, or just that much more productive!). Once you've developed a routine, it's okay to be flexible and shake things up every now and then. Maybe you'll discover a new way to practice that you like better! Until we are consistent with one routine though, we have nothing to compare an alternative routine to. 

    If you are persistent you will get it. If you are consistent you will keep it - Anonymous

We can be consistent in practice by practicing smarter, not harder.

Place importance on the amount of focus there is during practice rather than the amount of time. Understanding that a few minutes everyday is far better than hours on just 1 or 2 days. Don't be discouraged by practice when it's hard! When something is hard, it just means we have A LOT to learn. Stop and brainstorm how you can break the problem down into more manageable chunks or ask your teacher for help. Repetitions of these small chunks are key to progress, but they can also hinder us if we are not consistent. If we repeat without focus and with mistakes, then we aren't progressing. If we can slowly and consistently repeat with focus and accuracy, we will progress. 

It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It's what we do consistently - Tony Robbins

We can be consistent when it comes to practice by having a positive attitude and a growth mindset. 

Knowing WHY we are practicing can help put us in the right attitude to practice. Our WHY could be wanting to learn a certain piece, or get to a certain book. Maybe it's learning a new technique or being able to play with beautiful tone or working toward the next recital. Maybe it's simply the journey of learning something new. Sometimes a positive attitude in practice can get blocked when we are frustrated or feel like we aren't progressing. Having a growth mindset and understanding that our abilities aren't limited can help us through these inevitable struggles. When we have a growth mindset we can be a detective and look at environmental factors, our level of consistency and if maybe we just need more time before we see progress (which brings me to my last concept for this practice series... coming soon!)

Everyone Can Learn: Environment Part II - The Senses

Our environment plays such an integral role in how and what we learn. Not only are the models in our lives important, but our visual surroundings, what we are listening too, how our environment feels, smells and tastes all play a role. Although many of these I am presenting as aids to enhance learning the violin, they can be applied to learning anything.

SEE: An area free of distractions and clutter is ideal. If this isn't possible, having a focal point like a stand, picture or sign could work. Something that draws in your attention to the task at hand. Fill the room you are learning in with light and space. Make it functional and convenient with books and pencils, your instrument already unpacked (maybe on a stand or hook), rosin and a tuner close by. If your practice area changes, then have a bag or case to hold all your supplies that you can carry from room to room. Have your practice chart readily available. If you have to take time to search for it each time you practice, most likely you won't use it. Make everything you can convenient and right at your finger tips so there are no excuses. When our learning environment is visually pleasing, inviting and practically set up, it sets the stage for a productive practice.

HEAR: What we are listening to on a regular basis is vital to our learning. All babies learn how to speak their mother tongue language and they do so naturally because they are exposed to it 24/7. When we are constantly exposed to that which we want to learn, we very naturally begin to learn it. If we listen to fine violin music and hear the pieces we want to play on the violin, the entire learning process is done so with much less effort. Take a few moments to create playlists of the repertoire you are learning, your review pieces or maybe pieces you want to learn. Set timers to remind yourself to turn your music on or until you've done it enough times you've created the habit. Try active listening of your new pieces and follow along with your music as you listen. Watch videos of performers you admire!

TOUCH/FEEL: How things feel when we are learning is also important. If our clothes are uncomfortable or we feel cramped in the room or maybe we are hungry or thirsty or tired or full of energy. These can all affect our learning process. Sometimes a child who can't seem to focus for practice is just hungry, or needs to go to the bathroom or can't stand the feel of their socks! Or maybe they had a tough day at school and they need to vent or take some time alone before they can focus. Reflecting on how we feel inside and out before practice can make a huge difference in our productivity.

SMELL & TASTE: Although taste and smell have less to do with our practice success, definitely how we are nourishing ourselves benefits how we learn. If we aren't eating or drinking enough good things, this can mess with our mind and how we feel physically. Same with smell. Trying to practice in a smelly room can be distracting (the joys of practicing in university practice rooms comes to mind!). So maybe light a candle or diffuse essential oils. Use a nice lotion before you practice as a ritual to get you in the right head space. Make sure to have a drink of water and/or a light snack before you start. Figure out what tastes and smells affect your learning and what is right for you. 

There are so many little things we can do to make our environment motivating and comfortable for learning. Many of these ideas are fairly simple and probably well known, and yet we don't always take the time to apply them to our lives. If something isn't working, take a moment to identify it, analyze it, and come up with a plan to make practicing more convenient for you so you are making the most out of your time. Start small and set your environment up for success!

Everyone Can Learn: ENVIRONMENT Part I - The Model

"Every child grows. Everything depends on the teacher"

"Children learn to smile from their parents"

                                                                    - Shinichi Suzuki

Modelling is such an important factor for teachers and parents. If we want a child to do something, we need to be sure we are modelling that behaviour in our own lives. If we want a child NOT to do something, we need to be sure we are NOT modeling that behaviour in our own lives. Being a teacher and a parent has made me take a good hard look at myself and my life. This has been TERRIFYING! This has been OVERWHELMING. Of course we as parents and/or teachers have the best intentions, but many of us are still figuring out who we are and what kind of parents we want to be. We are bound to make mistakes. I have found that being a role model is a constant work in progress and that showing my work in progress can make me an even better role model. 

Being wrong and making a mistake isn't negative, it just means we have more to learn. The more we learn, the more we know and when we know better, we can do better. At the end of the day, especially in my family of perfectionists, making a mistake and OWNING IT is one of the greatest attitudes I can model.

"Rise to the level of the child"

"Man is a child of his environment"

-Shinichi Suzuki

When modelling isn't enough, it's important each day to meet a child at their level. Sometimes they are focused and ready to learn. Sometimes they need time to get there. Sometimes it becomes obvious we aren't going to get any focus that day or that moment and that's okay. Sometimes it becomes obvious we as teachers/parents are just out of ideas and not on top of our game. We can all have off days. I'm learning to give myself these days without judgement and to acknowledge them in front of my family.

When we meet a child at their level, we become aware of what they are doing in the moment and what they are interested in. Where is their mind at RIGHT NOW. If it's in a book then try incorporating the book into the practice. If it's stacking legos, stack legos for each repetition of a practice spot. Maybe it's running and doing jumping jacks before playing or listening to the Suzuki music if they need a moment to unwind. Maybe it's trying to be clear on the expectations for the day and giving them time and reminders as to when one activity ends and another begins. It's about clearing OUR minds of our to-dos, our schedule, our worries, and focusing exactly on where our child is at in the moment and how we can help them find focus, build teamwork and create enjoyment when practicing the violin. 

This is not an easy task. First of all, the violin is HARD! Standing still is hard! Focusing is hard! Listening to mom/dad is hard! Witnessing all the silly as a parent is hard! But can a child do it? YES! Can the parent do it? YES! When parent and child work through these tough moments together learning the violin, they can accomplish and get through ANYTHING TOGETHER! A trust is built unlike any other because both parent and child have struggled together, succeeded together, brought out the best and the worst in each other and they've learned more than they ever could have imagined along the way about each other and themselves. Meet a child at their level, mentally and physically. Play like they play, imagine like they imagine, and build practice (or any teachable moment) off of that.

As adults, it is also important to look at the models in our lives. Maybe it's our spouse, our coworkers, our family, our neighbours, our friends. It's the people we choose to follow on social media or watch on tv or read books about. If we are surrounding ourselves with positive people who inspire and motivate us, that plays the same role in our growth as it does our kids. Kids don't always have the same accessibility to choose their models yet, but we do! I think we can be mindful of the kind of people we are spending our time with and how their energy is affecting us and in turn our kids. 

"Any child can be developed. It depends on how you do it." - Shinichi Suzuki

Since we've been spending so much time at home together, what we are modelling to our children is even more profound. If we want our kids to get up and get ready for the day, focus during school (virtual or not), be active, eat healthy, do their practice and their school work, have a positive attitude -  they are looking at us all day and at what we are doing. What we expect of our kids, we must FIRST expect of ourselves. The more we demonstrate the habits, discipline and perseverance in our lives, the better the example we are providing for those of all ages, regardless of if they follow our example in the moment or not. Children are constantly absorbing what they see and hear from us so when we make it a priority to expose them to the values, attitudes, habits and behaviours we deem important, we are building the ground work for success as they grow. 

Keep modeling, keep learning, keep growing. Let's continue developing the best environment for our kids and ourselves to grow in, one small step at a time.

***I've always loved writing and creating and this blog is on outlet for me to share topics that I am interested in, things I've been learning, and ideas I've been bouncing around. Take from it what you'd like with that in mind, whether you agree or disagree - all I'm sharing are my CURRENT opinions and ideas - these are ever changing because so am I! If any of this provides inspiration, thought or maybe even sparks a new idea that you can take into your lifestyle, that is enough. Thanks for reading!***

Everyone Can Learn

There are many different types of students.

Some students are eager to learn, while others need encouragement. Some can be given instruction once, while others need to be told many times. Some students learn better by doing, while others learn better by observing. Some have the discipline to practice efficiently, but struggle to step out of their comfort zone. Others excel at spontaneity and playing what they feel and hear, but lack the focus to really master a challenging detail in a piece of music. A student can also be any age, with any kind of background or experience.

WE ALL have our strengths and weaknesses. 

Regardless of what these may be, WE ALL have the ability to LEARN. 

I believe that my job as a Suzuki teacher (and also as a parent!) is not to conform a student to one way of teaching, but to shape the teachings around how each student learns. I am excited by the student that does not adhere to an explanation that I've successfully taught to previous students. It forces me to think outside the box which in turn, forces me to learn something new. The more I learn, the more students I can reach. It is incredible to break down the door for a student and make a concept click, especially if done so in a completely new way.

What I've realized over the years is that we can also LEARN HOW TO LEARN, and how we learn can be influenced by the following factors: 

Environment

Consistency

 

Time

In my next practice series I'll discuss what I've discovered about the importance of these three topics in regards to practice, parenting, learning and life.

Everyday is a Battle

Every year around this time I watch all the Rocky/Creed movies (minus #5). We've had marathons in the past, but this year we watched a little bit every night leading up to my birthday. It's not that I'm a fan of boxing, at all, but it's the message these movies hold for me that bring me back every year. The holidays are over, Spring feels like a long ways away, it's cold and dark, we are all stuck at home and missing so much. It is all too easy to get lost and stay lost. 

Rocky encourages me to keep fighting. To continue getting up every morning, to continue building on my routines and habits and doing the things that I know are good for me. 

I'm not sure when I wrote this, but I came across it and wanted to remind anyone who is reading this, no matter what you are going through right now, just keep fighting, one second, one moment, one day at a time. 

Everyday is a battle.

It's not about if we win or lose, it's about how hard we fight.

It's about always taking that next step toward the person we want to be.

It doesn't matter if it seems like no one else around us is fighting. We don't know what their battle's are and it's none of our business to know.

When we fight our own battles, we build strength. We build self respect. 

That strength can then be used to better the lives around us and maybe give strength to others.

But taking that step forward is up to us.

So get up and fight. 

One small step at a time.

Fight for who you are and who you want to be.

Everyday.

No excuses, no blame, no fear.

Keep fighting to be the best version of yourself.

January Instagram Recap

What I post on Instagram is purely an outlet for me; a chance to refine my thoughts and my goals for each day/week. I've had a new routine since 2021 and this is what's been happening in January!

Taking time to conquer my own thoughts and find the positive reaction in negative moments. Still a lot to learn

I follow her lead and guide and encourage where I can. Today’s practice was completed with the help of our doughnut costume and blue Dino buddy.

Grateful for the teachers and time invested in remote kindergarten for my daughter. It definitely hasn’t been easy and is by no means perfect, but it’s been a constant in our lives since September and an incredible stepping stone in my daughters development. My youngest even enjoys saying hi to the teachers! Who would have thought such a thing could be possible?

Not normally one to enjoy the snow and cold, but with not much else to do, snowy days are exciting days around here. Finding joy in the little things...

For JANUARY VIDEOS - find my INSTAGRAM HERE @AMYSVIOLINSCHOOL

Using Google Docs for Practice Charts

Even before COVID, I was on a mission to replace PAPER practice charts. I had come up with a few possibilities of a reusable chart along with making them completely virtual. COVID made the decision for me and virtual they went. 

My biggest issue with GOOGLE DOCS is organization. I've yet to figure out how to keep my files organized in a way that makes sense to me. Besides the lack of organization, I\ve been enjoying the document itself and the features available. 

Here are a few changes that I've made to make them even more convenient.

1. You will now receive your practice chart WEEKLY in an EMAIL!
2. To see your entire practice chart (including our new Bingo Challenge) click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE at the bottom of the email - if you do not click this, you will not see all of the practice chart.
3. Now you can COMMENT in your practice chart. Let me know you've practice to keep track of your days or ask me a question in your chart.
4. You can easily get back to GOOGLE DOCS from the email to COMMENT by clicking the title PRACTICE CHART in red or clicking the GOOGLE DOCS link at the bottom of the email.

If you have any more suggestions on Google Doc features we could use or how to make them more convenient, let me know!

Gift Ideas for Aspiring Musicians!

If you are still looking to get something for the musician in your family, here are some of my favourite violin accessories.

I shop at AMAZON.CA, Long & Mcquade and The SoundPost. 

Most of these items can be found on all websites. Check them all out to find the right price and shipping method for you.

Ingles Violin Stand

String Swing Wall Mount Violin Hanger

My favourite Rosin - Bernardel

Fun Rosin

Magic Rosin

Metronome (also Penguin & Owl)

The purest sounding E string

Coloured Manhasset Music Stand

The Suzuki Lifestyle on Early Parenthood

I recently came across these ideas I wrote out when Maggie was maybe 8-9 months old. I was navigating life as a new mom and trying to figure out who I was and what I needed (still a work in progress...). These concepts are such great reminders and what I've been reminding myself of as I continue to navigate all the changes this year has brought along with creating the best environment and lifestyle for my kids.

1. It's okay to let them struggle.

It is our instinct to want to protect kids from everything and to make things easy for them. But when we fail to give them the opportunity to be independent and to figure things out on their own, we are denying them the chance to grow and to learn and to be better human beings. It's okay to let them struggle and to let them know you will always be there. When we struggle it means we have more to learn. It's also okay for us as parents to struggle and to let our kids see us struggle! 

2. The importance of developing a schedule and routine.
One of the best ways to teach children is to be consistent. Children, even babies, find comfort in knowing what to expect and what is happening next. Routine creates calm and understanding and is a simple way to bring a family together and make the most out of each day.

3. Be flexible - The schedule and routine you create, won't always work.
Even though you've tried to stay consistent and follow the routine, things don't always go according to plan, especially with kids. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK AND JUST START FRESH TOMORROW. Do the best you can do in the moment, do the minimum, adjust the schedule when needed, and take it one day at a time.

4. Put aside the crying, the sleeplessness, the messiness, the chaos, and really just focus on what you have and the lifestyle you are trying to create.
As we ride the waves of having a newborn, a toddler, a teenager, etc., it is so important to live in the moment. As a planner, I like to look at whats happening in the next week, the next month, the next year so I can be prepared. But when we only look at what might happen, we become blinded by what's happening in the present. If we don't know whats happening in the present, we don't know what we need to change. It's so important to be there and witness everyday, to make small changes and to witness small changes, and to see our kids being kids!

5. Take care of yourself and prioritize your life, work, wants and needs.
It wasn't long after my first daughter was born that I realized if I didn't make time to do something just for me in a day, I was not being the best mother I could possibly be. I also realized that when I hustle and really focus, I can get a lot done in 10-20 minute chunks or a 1-2 hour nap - I just needed to learn how to prioritize my time differently. I think it is so important for my kids to see that I am still working and learning at being the best version of myself and that this process never stops. When we model to our kids the importance of taking time for ourselves, we are giving them the opportunity to learn to be more self-aware and to realize that being kind to ourselves is just as important as being kind to others.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 

How I FINALLY Got My 3 Year Old to Practice EVERYDAY - PART 3

Part 3 - In Conclusion

Start by looking at any 'problem areas' in the day. What are the things that you should and want to be getting done daily but are things that you always seem to argue about? 

Discuss them together (even with your littlest ones) and refine them. Start with just a few and agree that these things will get done each day. 

What works for your family to EARN if you work together to get the list done? 

Maybe a morning routine doesn't work for you, so try an afternoon or evening routine. 

Maybe after school the expectation is your child washes up from the day, empties backpack and practices violin. Or an evening routine of put on pajamas, brush teeth, practice violin. 

Maybe instead of earning screen time it's playing a video game or using the ipad/computer or going out to play with friends. 

Maybe you collect your days and earn an ice cream on the weekend or a new book to read at the end of the month. 

Maybe you try a combination of all of these until you figure out whats feels right for your family!

The list won't always be easy. But there is no better time to COMMIT then now! Post the list on your phone, on the fridge, at the kitchen table. Talk about it when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. Make sure everyone agrees and is on board and works together to get things done. Set the expectation and then encourage each other! 

I can't remember the last day we didn't practice and the heavy load on my shoulders has disappeared. It is definitely not easy, but when it directly benefits our children and the joy we all feel by the end of the day having worked together rather than butt heads, it is a pretty good reason to continue to make small lifestyle changes.

How I FINALLY Got My 3 Year Old to Practice EVERYDAY - PART 2

Part 2 - Creating a Routine

I think it is SO IMPORTANT to not over schedule, over organize and over expect of our children. However, I do think structure is important and teaching children about scheduling, managing time, staying organized and working hard are invaluable skills. 

My daughter has a morning routine of the following:

• get dressed
• brush teeth/hair
• practice violin

That's it. Three items for my 3 year old. Maybe when she turns 4, I'll add a fourth. These three things however have been problem areas in our mornings. So what works for us is if she completes the list (by a certain time), she earns screen time (20-30 minutes or so) and/or a big activity (something that requires A LOT of clean-up). If we don't complete the list, there is no screen time that day. These days happen and we don't make a big deal about it. I find that the next day though she's on top of getting her list done first thing so she can watch a show or do a bigger activity. 

Other days we get the list done but we don't have a chance to get to our show because we get busy with play or go out for the day, and that's okay too. Right now, screen time is just an incentive (one that currently works for us) - it's an opportunity she can earn and use if she chooses. The goal is to create these daily habits that she can carry with her throughout her life. If we can work to do something positive together in the morning, then we earn many positive things from it.

As soon as we all became clear as a family on what happens every morning and when screen time happens (this was also huge as screen time can too easily be given out all day if we aren't careful!), the arguing became less and less.  My daughter is now in charge of what she wants to get done and when (within reason). If it doesn't get done, we don't argue about it because we all know the consequence. 

I also make sure to model myself doing everything on the list - it certainly sends the wrong message if I expect her to get dressed, brush teeth/hair and practice if I wasn't going to do those things (getting dressed with a newborn was something I wasn't always doing, I suppose along with everything else on her list!). Setting that expectation for myself made a world of difference in my mornings as it made me feel more prepared to tackle my day.

Part 3 - Coming Soon

How I FINALLY Got My 3 Year Old to Practice EVERYDAY - PART 1

Part 1 - The Hard Truth & Getting Organized

I have been struggling with daily practice with my daughter ever since she developed an interest at 18 months. Being a Suzuki violin teacher who believes in daily practice and expects my students to practice daily, I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders not being able to produce daily practice myself at home with my own daughter. 

There was always some reason why it didn't happen - busy with other activities, sick, too tired, but mostly I realized I just forgot. The day would get away from me. I wasn't making it a priority. I also quickly realized this must be the struggle of other parents. I soon was on a mission to find a solution.

I came across the 'Block Schedule' a while ago and implemented it into my lifestyle immediately. IT WAS A GAME CHANGER! I won't go into detail about it yet, but if you want to learn more check out the video HERE and follow Jordan Page HERE. I have been following her for years getting advice on budgeting and productivity which has made such a positive impact in my life.

Although my daughters practice doesn't necessarily follow the blocks I have set up for myself for each day, once I got MY life organized and MY priorities in check, it was much easier to organize MY DAUGHTERS activities and make the expectations we have as a family clear. 

The fact the I was struggling to practice with my daughter really had nothing to do with my daughter, but everything to do with me.

Part 2 Coming Soon!

How I END Practice with my 3 Year Old

This is how we end every practice each day. 

NO MATTER WHAT. 

We take a bow and hug each other. 

No matter how frustrated (most days- from both of us), silly, happy, calm, angry, etc. our practice is.  When we practice together we are strengthening our relationship. We owe it to ourselves and to each other to appreciate our hard work and the time we are investing in one another.

It reminds us that hard work is positive and that we can accomplish anything, especially when we work together. Such a simple act of kindness can make our days extraordinary.  

Amy's Violin School is 10 Years Old!

2020 is turning out to be many things. The world is changing and our individual lives are changing. We've all had to grow and adapt, learn new ways and let go of a lot. Every day we get through though, is one more day that is making us stronger.

I've made a conscious effort the past couple months to listen more (it's definitely been a popular theme) and realised I could be a much better listener. As I've been listening, I've learned so much and feel so much more purpose and understanding. When I listen, I am inspired. I hope to pass on some of that inspiration even if in a small way through Suzuki Violin Lessons this year.

Amy's Violin School is 10 Years Old! Private Lessons, Group Classes, Recitals, Small Steps Class, Parent Ed Events, Practice Charts - EVERYTHING is ONLINE. Who would have thought. Even though I am anxiously awaiting the day we can all play in person, I am embracing what I do have control over and planning on making the most out of this year. I hope you all will join me in celebrating each other and the work we are committing to in learning the violin and learning more about ourselves in the process.

Here are a few reminders before the 2020-2021 School Year Starts!

As always, all private lesson and group class dates are listed on the Calendar HERE.

We have two upcoming RECITALS on October 25 and November 29th. Stay tuned for how we will make these recitals possible. Check out the 2020 Year End Virtual Recital HERE!

I am running a 15-20 minute SMALL STEPS CLASS (ages 0-3) Saturdays at 9:45. Please tell your friends with little ones and have them email me at amybarten5@gmail.com to inquire or CLICK HERE.

Also, Parent Ed Events will be replaced with blog and instagram posts. I will be posting short topics for you to browse when you want some inspiration.

If you need your violin tuned please let me know and we can arrange a front yard distanced tuning session! Or, we can arrange a ZOOM meeting specifically to help you tune your violin at home. Let me know!

I will be using Google Classroom to share lots of videos and resources as we continue with ZOOM Lessons. Take a look around the Classroom in the next week and see whats there!

Looking forward to starting the school year with you on September 14th!

My girls say hi!

Happy World Fiddle Day!

Check out these amazing musicians!

Year End Recital Repertoire

Each student is responsible for being able to play all the pieces in the list below that they know. 

All pieces will be performed as a group. 

Book 1

Twinkle Theme

Mississippi Hot Dog

Lightly Row

Go Tell Aunt Rhody

May Song

Perpetual Motion

Book 2

Chorus

Witches Dance

Book 3

Martini Gavotte with Harmony

Book 4

Seitz #2

Book 5

Country Dance

Other

Wishing

Suzuki Medley (Concerto A'La Potpourri)

Fiddle Set

Small Steps Class

There will be MANY opportunities for harmonies and 4 part ensemble work which will be announced and assigned once we are back to lessons on April 14th.

Introducing Adriana Ivy & Other Updates

I'm into week 3 of Maternity Leave and even though I am sleeping way less than I was when I was pregnant, the lack of pregnancy symptoms has left me feeling more energised than I have in almost a year. That's not to say that life right now is not complete CHAOS, but I'm taking the chaos one day at a time and anxiously awaiting Spring and getting back to being active with my two girls!

Regardless of what challenges we all may be going through in our lives right now - I think we can all remind ourselves to take things one day at a time. I keep reminding myself everyday that one day I will sleep again. It will happen! Things will get better. Just one day at a time.

I have yet to schedule a MAKE-UP GROUP CLASS as my calendar for March is getting slightly busier than I anticipated, so stay tuned. If I don't make-up the class in March, I will do so in June after the Year End Recital.

I have also decided that I am going to EXTEND my Maternity Leave by 1 week. Therefore, I plan on starting back after Easter Monday on Tuesday April 14th. There is no Group Class that day so Monday students please let me know if you are available to come for lesson on the Tuesday.

We will discuss on an individual basis whether you would like a refund for this class ($25/half hour) or we can transfer it to a summer lesson (dates for summer lessons will be released in May).

In case you were wondering more about Baby Adriana's arrival - as many of you know, I was scheduled to be induced on Tuesday February 25th since I was a week overdue (felt like months!). I woke up that morning with minor contractions which I was thrilled about considering NOTHING was happening up until that point. Contractions continued throughout the day as we waited for a call from the hospital. Finally we got a call at 7:00 pm. After even more waiting, they broke my water at 11:00 pm and after a whirlwind of mishaps, Adriana was born 4 hours later at 3:00 am February 26th weighing 8 lbs, 2 oz. We have both been healthy and adjusting to a new life at home. I can't believe I have 2 daughters!

Thank you for all the kind wishes over the past 2 weeks! Keep checking in as I'll be posting Year End Recital Repertoire shortly on the blog.

Questions about Maternity Leave

We've been re-organising and prioritising our lives as a family with the new year and I finally have computer access outside of my little office in the basement (definitely can't do everything from a cell phone - including write blog posts). It's been awhile since I've posted regular and it's one of the many things I've been missing and have neglected doing since being pregnant.  Although change is immanent, I'm hoping to get back to a lot of what I love over the next few months as we welcome baby #2 to the family and I start to feel more like myself again.

As we all prepare to have a break from regular lessons, I just wanted to clarify a few questions that have been coming up in lessons.

When does Maternity Leave start?

Maternity leave starts whenever the baby decides to show up. Once this happens, I will send out an email right away announcing the start of my maternity leave, so please check your emails/instagram accounts regularly, especially before you head out for lesson. Once I know when my maternity starts, I can be more specific on when lessons will resume.

You can access all up to date lesson and group class dates on the Calendar HERE. I will also try to send reminders of dates or date changes through email, blog posts, instagram and in person.

What happens with tuition payments during maternity leave?

Tuition payments remain the same. I have worked into this years calendar a 6 week gap. I have done this by starting lessons a week early, only taking 2 weeks over Christmas instead of my usual 3, overlapping my maternity leave with a 2 week march break and extending the school year well into June. If I decide I need more than 6 weeks off with the baby, then we will discuss on an individual basis a refund or transferring lessons to the summer.

Please note the change to summer lesson policies (as of 2019):

With this years registration I announced a change to the 2 summer lessons that have previously been included in tuition. I have worked these 2 summer lessons into the school year giving us a 35 week tuition period spread out over 12 months. Therefore, summer lessons are no longer included in tuition. If you would like to sign up for summer lessons you may do so in May when registration is released. Otherwise, lessons will start back up again in September.

When is the next group class?

The next group class is scheduled on April 21st. However, since I had to cancel a group class in January, I may schedule a make up class part way through my Maternity Leave so that we can all check in with one another. Otherwise, any cancelled group classes will be made up in June.

What should we do during the 6 weeks off?

Reference the blog post I did HERE on some things to try during the break. Please don't hesitate to email/text me while I'm off! It is not a bother to me at all, in fact the distraction will be appreciated - if i'm busy I just won't respond right away. However, I would much rather take a few minutes to answer your questions and send you feedback/video examples and keep you motivated to play, then have you do nothing over the break because you just didn't know what to do.

Have additional questions? Don't hesitate to ask!