Tuning Session

Last group class featured a tuning session for parents & students.

Here are some of things we talked about and tried in class:

Rule #1
If you feel at all uncomfortable tuning the violin, DON'T! There is no use in risking breaking a string unless you feel confident. Call your teacher or another musician you trust to tune the violin for you or help you through the process.

Rule #2
Understand that when we tighten the string, the pitch gets higher and when we loosen the string the pitch gets lower. The saying, "Right-y, tight-y. Lefty, loosey" applies for the small fine tuners. For the big tuning pegs, turn it towards you to loosen and away from you to tighten.

Rule #3
Play or pluck the strings while you tune so you are not just aimlessly turning the pegs back and forth. Turn the pegs with a purpose and listen while you turn.

Rule #4
Always loosen the string before you tighten, especially if using the tuning pegs. Even if you know you are flat, turn the peg toward you to loosen it first, then raise the pitch. Pegs can get stuck especially if they haven't been moved in a while. You never want to risk over tightening a stuck peg and have the string pop on you. Loosen, then tighten.

Rule #5
If you really can't tell which way to turn and the pitch doesn't seem to be getting any better. STOP TURNING. Don't risk over turning because you are not sure. Take a break and come back to it or ask a professional for help and guidance.

Apps to help you tune:

I have an app called Tuner Lite, but there are many free version you can download. I like Tuner Lite because the interface is similar to that of an actual tuner. Handheld tuners can be purchased online or at Long and Mcquade. I would suggest NOT buying the clip-on tuners. I find these always have some issues. Buy a chromatic tuner if you are going to invest any money into it.

Double Stop String Patterns to Practice:

A-D,  D-G,  E-A

Don't be afraid, know the rules, be careful and ask for help when needed!

Family Portrait Sessions!

I am so pleased to be able to support a local small business, Priya Mchardie Photography!

Check this out:

Take advantage of the fall colours and get some shots done of the family or of your kids with their instruments! What a great gift idea for the holidays!

Priya Mchardie makes the photo session simple and easy. She has lots of great ideas and is very considerate of what you want and are comfortable with. She did a wonderful job capturing my own wedding and has graciously offered to donate $25 of her profits towards the Amy's Violin School fund which benefits all of you through providing scholarships, events, motivational prizes, and more!

Contact her today at 519-697-7577 or priya.mchardie@gmail.com.

Check out her website HERE!

Happy Thanksgiving

There is NO Group Class this Tuesday October 13th. 

Group class will resume on Tuesday October 20th - This is a mandatory rehearsal group class. If you will be absent you must let me know ASAP so we can schedule another rehearsal time.

Whether you're spending the weekend with family at home or are traveling, bring the violins and the music with you. Listen in the car or while preparing for dinner. Play for relatives or maybe share your upcoming recital piece. Above all, whatever you end up doing this weekend, enjoy yourself and take time for yourself throughout all the visiting. Take stock of the things you are thankful for in your life and share these things with your children. Teach them to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of family, no matter how big or small, close or distant.

Happy Thanksgiving!

CORRECTION to LISTENING CHALLENGE

ATTENTION! 

It has been pointed out to me that I made an error on the Listening Challenge.

October 22nd is listed twice which makes the dates following the 22nd, including the recital, INCORRECT. Therefore the recital DOES NOT fall on October 24th.

The recital is SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th. 

The Listening Challenge is due TUESDAY OCTOBER 27th!

My apologizes if this caused any confusion.

I hope everyone is enjoying their listening! Keep working on finding new ways to get that music playing in the background. Whether you are doing homework, playing a game, having dinner, getting ready for bed, reading a book, doing your chores, etc. Play your music!

Parent Education Event Fall 2015 Recap

Missed Tuesday's Parent Education Night? 
Here's what you need to know!

Check out the article we read, "Thank You, Suzuki Parents. Everything you do is much appreciated".

Also, we spoke about how Scholarships are now available for extra events. Ask me if this is something your family might benefit from!

September Recap
Anyone else been feeling like September has been a chaotic, drama filled month? Like nothing has gone quite according to plan and we've had to deal with just a bit too much stress than is really necessary? Let's hope this wave is about to pass as we enter October. When we face times like this it is so easy to get lost in the drama and to let it seep into every area of our life. There is no way to predict when chaos will arise, but we CAN choose how to deal with it. That's why scheduling in time for ourselves, and I highly recommend this time includes getting out into the world, is so critical and is such an important habit and life skill to model for children. Go out and have a mini adventure, do something that you've always wanted to do, or something that scares you. Get out of your head and the drama and remember what it is to just BE.

My weekend fix to all the drama? Rock climbing in Milton at Rattlesnake Point with my Dad and Brother. A temporary escape to clear my head and get myself ready for the upcoming week.

Ready, Set, Listen!

The Listening Challenge starts TODAY!

From Tuesday September 29th to Tuesday October 27th, you have 29 days to developed listening routines and new ways to make listening convenient in your lifestyle.

Pick up your chart at tonight's group class, in lesson or print out your own! Listening Challenge charts are due at the Halloween Costume Party on Tuesday October 27th.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind as you start completing the challenge:

#1 The RED and BLUE challenges can be done anytime, not necessarily on the day they are listed. If you forgot to listen in the car one day, maybe try listening before bed instead and complete the car assignment the next day. Also, there are two Live Music challenges to complete, once again these can be done anytime. Live Music does NOT include attending group class, but can include the October 25th recital.

#2 I Listened can only be checked if you listened to the Suzuki CD. There is no time restriction.

#3 I Listened 3+ hrs. can include 3 hrs of only Suzuki music, or minimum 1.5 hours of Suzuki music and the rest, music of your choosing.

#4 For the Other________ challenge, you must list one other piece of music you listened to that day.

Why Kids Won't Practice - Part 4

Here is the last post to the Practice Series, 

just in time for Tuesday's Parent Education Event! 

Missed the other reasons as to Why Kids Won't Practice? 

Click HERE to find out and get some inspiration on how to approach practice.

#15 - Perfectionism
The perfectionist at any age deals with daily battles because making a mistake, no matter how small, can seem like the end of the world. A child with a perfectionist mindset needs to constantly be reminded that making mistakes is okay and that mistakes allow us to learn and grow. As parents and teachers we must model this behaviour and not put ourselves down when we make mistakes. We must make our expectations for a child crystal clear and to remember to praise the effort, not just the outcome.

#16 - Practice is a maturity thing
Although young children can be taught about responsibility and grow independence year after year, it cannot be expected of them to do everything on their own. We must guide them in getting their homework done, on the importance of eating a balanced meal, getting enough exercise, and practicing their violin. Help your child learn the habit of healthy daily routines now and it will pay off into their teenage and adult years when you won't always be there to make sure they get things done!

#17 - You are your child's biggest influence

If you don't want to practice, neither will your child. If you find it relaxing and calming listening to the Suzuki cd in the car with your child, they will feel this joy with you. If you turn your attention to your cell phone during lesson, your child's attention won't be on the lesson either. What you do, positive or negative, your child imitates. Take time to self reflect on your attitude towards violin lessons and other areas in your life. Be who you want your child to become.

#18 - You are using too many big words
As much as we want to explain and educate children, there is a time and place where words can be effective. Over explaining and using too many words can sometimes loose a child, not because they are incapable of understanding, but because they are not currently in the right state to focus on the words. Children love to do things, so when words are letting you down, DO what you are trying so tirelessly to explain. Not only is doing an activity more fun then just talking about it, but they will probably connect what you were trying to explain to them quicker and more efficiently. 

#19 - Check your tone

This is not to mean the tone on the violin, but our tone as adults. Children can read the slight tonal differences in our voices. They can tell when we become frustrated, if we are satisfied with a practice spot or if it needs to be better. Remember that you are in this together. You are working as a team to complete practice assignments. It is not a time to be critical of one another, but to support one another in this journey of learning an instrument. If something still is not clicking between you and your child during practice, record a practice session and review it with teacher. You may be surprised to see reactions that you didn't know you were making but are upsetting the practice session nonetheless.

#20 - Being firm is not being mean

Being firm is loving your child. It means parenting. As soon as a child starts dictating when they will take a bath, what they will eat for dinner, or that there will be absolutely no music today, we've lost the parenting reins. Be firm, stand your ground, and ride this wave with your child. The storm will pass and you will both be in a better place because of it. Stay strong and connect with other parents in your community. You are not alone.

#21 - Play games, all sorts!

Children love to play games and it is so simple to take a teachable moment and turn it into a game that means something to a child. Copy the games your teacher uses in lesson and make up your own games that you think cater to your child's interests.

#22 - Turn off the TV and other electronic devices!
Do I need to say more?

Happy Practicing!