My thoughts on the day...

Today we were all a part of such a unique community. One where we have come from different places, go to different schools, work different jobs, are different ages, personalities, and have different interests. Yet, we all came together today and every week at group class to make music. Music truly is a universal language and we all proved that today by the astounding support I saw.

Everyone had their own challenges to work through today and we were all able to succeed in our own way. Music allows us to do and experience so many things. It allows us to make mistakes and for everything to still be okay. We can continue on, keep trying and know that we will be supported in everything we do. This environment is so important to have, because it unfortunately does not exist everywhere. But if we can experience this support regularly we can learn how to handle situations where we may not get that same support and know deep down that it is okay. This is such an important skill to give to children and to remind ourselves as adults about.

I am so grateful to be able to work with such generous families. Those who helped me through the recital today whether from setting things up, maintaining the reception table or cleaning up afterwards. Your time and help is truly appreciated.

We all supported each other today. We all tried our best. We all had fun (and possibly ate too many sweets!).

I am so proud of everyone. One recital done, on to the next!

October 25th Recital 2:00

Here's what you need to know for the October 25th Recital.

Arrival time is no later that 1:45. 

You are welcome to arrive as early as 1:15.

Location is as usual, Siloam United Church.
Friends and family are welcome!

Please bring a treat to share at the reception following the recital.

Get crafty and bring a Halloween themed treat! Baking is a great way to relieve stress after a busy work day and a great activity to do with the kids (get them involved in the clean up too!). 

There is no dress code for this recital, but make sure that whatever you wear does not interfere with your playing. 

For example, try to avoid necklaces, bracelets, collars, thick straps or sleeves, etc. Also, make sure any hair is out of your face.

You may count attending the recital as the LIVE MUSIC requirement on your Listening Challenge!

Other then that, keep practicing, keep listening and get ready to enjoy an afternoon of great music!

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.