A Reflection on 2017

Thank you all for a wonderful Holiday Recital. Things ran so smoothly despite the number of different groups performing and the new things we tried to do. Our Ceilidh group class was so much fun playing our favourite songs and visiting with one another. Such a great way to end 2017.

How old are you Maggie?

Looking back on where I was and who I was last year at this time, my life has changed in more ways than it has stayed the same. Although this change has been incredible it has also been a challenge, both physically and mentally.

I see Margaret approach huge milestones on a weekly basis. As adults, our milestones of growth stretch out over years and decades. As I approach one of these milestones in just over a month, I've been reflecting a lot and setting goals for the future. This has been daunting.

Just as I tell my students that learning never stops, that even though we have done something one way for so long does not mean that we stop growing or stop learning. We can always learn to do things better, to practice more proficiently and to listen more intently. This is continuing education, a lifetime of learning and something I want to give focus to in 2018.

Before I take a break for the Holidays, I'm starting my plans for the New Year and making lists of new things I want to try and improve at. It can be all too easy to get lost in the everyday busyness and forget to really notice if what we are filling are days with are really the things that make us happy. Making the decision to do something different even if just for 5 or 10 minutes a day can make all the difference in the world and positively influence every area of our lives. The strong bent thumb challenge has reminded me of the importance of the "one point lesson" and that simplicity is key for making these changes possible.

As we approach the holidays, stop to see the young ones in awe of this time of year. Get out into the cold for an adventure and relax with the people who mean the most to you. Share your music with family and friends and keep the holidays simple.

I look forward to seeing everyone back in 2018 starting private lessons on January 15th and group class on January 23rd.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Recital: Sunday December 3rd at 2:00

Important Recital Information

Arrival Time - no later than 1:45

Dress Code - comfortable, festive, etc.
All friends & family welcome!

This is a fun yet difficult recital to arrange and perform in. There is a different energy from the performers when we play together rather than individually, not to mention that little bit of magic from this time of year. I have seen students take on leadership roles preparing for this recital, fine tune duet parts, learn brand new pieces, work on tricky practice spots and take care to play together with their peers. I look forward to seeing how these ensembles unfold.

New for this recital is the "A Star Wars Sleigh Ride" ensemble. Two great tunes mashed into one. Everyone learned the Star Wars theme in MINUTES!

The Small Steps Music Class will sing their compositions at this recital. You'll see kids from 5 months to 3 years old on stage showing off their skills!

Although there is no fiddle class for this recital, Alison and I are excited to feature a fiddle set of some of our favourite tunes. Hopefully we'll inspire some students to get the class up and running again in the new year!

Keep playing, keep practicing and keeping finding those SBT's and big bows to the frog! See you all on Sunday.

Fall Parent Ed Night 2017 Recap

Last Tuesday was our Parent Ed Night. Thank you to all the parents for your ideas and for chatting with me about Amy's Violin School and all things practice related. For those of you unable to attend, here is what we talked about:

The NEW Credit/Debit Payments seem to be going smoothly. Although this is still technically a trial run for me, I am enjoying the convenience as well. We will see how it all works out by the end of the school year. 

Make note in your calendar of the TWO WEEKS MARCH BREAK that I am taking this year. There will be NO Lessons from March 12th-24th. This week is made up for at the end of the school year (June 4th - 9th),

It's almost been a year!

Even though I have a no makeup policy for lessons, I still like to try to make up any missed student lessons if I am able. I have been feeling very inflexible lately and have not been able to make up lessons as I have in the past. Bear with me as I work through this transitional stage of working while having an almost 1 year old.

I'm looking for a great performance opportunity that all the students could go to! I'm keeping my eyes pealed for something unique. If you see that a great band or performer is playing in the city, please let me know. 

On to the Parent Ed Quiz:

How often should practice happen?
- we all unanimously said EVERYDAY/DAILY

What should the duration of practice be?
- although we agreed that this can depend on the child and the age of the child, it's more important to focus not so much on the duration of the practice, but the quality of the practice. If practice is focused and specific and done in small steps, you can accomplish a lot more in a shorter amount of time.

Why is review so important to developing our skills?
- establishes the foundation for developing new skills. Through developing this thorough mastery of pieces, we can find a different level of joy in playing pieces well. This in turn builds confidence and understanding and cements those basic skills.

How do you encourage repetitions to young children and/or teenagers/adults?
- make the repetitions small and specific. From counting fingers and beads, filling in charts, collecting stickers, the creative possibilities are endless for young children. Sometimes just the fact that they can hear themselves improving is enough to keep them repeating. For teenagers and adults however, we can start to loose the joy of repetitions. Even when we know how to do them and why we need to do them, it can be hard to actually implement them. Setting goals and small rewards for ourselves can go a long way. When we have something that we are working towards it forces us to look at the task and not just put it on our list of things we will get to, but to make a plan and execute it. Plus, there's nothing wrong with having a warm cup of coffee or a baked treat (something small that you enjoy) to reward ourselves for a job well done.

Why is listening so important to learning the violin?
- to develop our ears, pitch, to understand the repertoire and to understand the instrument.

What skills blossom through attending group class?
- performing, confidence, friendship, motivation, respect, leadership, teamwork, ensemble, listening, patience.

Fill in the Blank Quotes:

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Every Child Can Learn.

Environment Nurtures Growth.

Parental Involvement is Critical.

You should only practice on the days you eat.

Character first, ability second.

Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus 10,000 times is skill.

The fate of a child is in the hands of his parents.

Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear find music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.

What's Happening in November

Wonder Baby!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. November is here and this month is about to fly by. Here's what you need to know so that we can make the most out of this busy time of year.

The next group class is Tuesday November 7th and this is our PARENT ED EVENT. Join me as we chat about the Suzuki Method, ideas for the new year and check in with how practice is going at home for everyone.

The repertoire and groups have been released for the Holiday Recital on December 3rd. Check in with me at lesson to find out what you/your child is playing and who they are playing with! Everyone is responsible for a combination of at least 2 pieces or more that are either a challenge, review, harmony or holiday piece.

Our ensemble piece this year is a mash up of the Star Wars Theme & Sleigh Ride. I look forward to working on these fun tunes with everyone over the next few weeks.

Although rehearsal for this recital will start on Tuesday November 14th, the MANDATORY REHEARSAL is Tuesday November 28th. Don't miss it!

Keep working on your Strong Bent Thumbs and bow control so we can show off our skills in a months time!

Fall Recital

There was a lot of talk about nerves at the October 22nd Recital (despite confident performances from everyone!). From the shakes to stomach butterflies to wobbly knees. All of which I am far too familiar with. The knots began to tighten in my stomach as the start of the recital came around, but as I looked out in the audience at all the families, some who I have known for 7 years now, I felt at ease.

Every student showed on Sunday that they could WORK HARD. Practice spots were fixed, focus was seen and the dynamics were just beautiful. Solid performances by everyone and a great first recital of the school year!

If I had a switch I could flick so that you all wouldn't have to experience nerves... I'd definitely want to switch it off because I know the feeling all to well and don't wish any of you to feel it. However, it's also an important feeling to be able to conquer and unless we are put in these situations, it becomes harder and harder to face. Dealing with nerves is part of being human and it's something we can all work on. I work on it everyday when I put my teaching shoes on and perform. The nice thing about these Suzuki recitals is that it is a safe environment to practice these tricky skills. Nothing bad can happen at a Suzuki recital, no matter how nervous we feel since we are all supported by parents, siblings, teachers and friends.

See you all for Group Class THIS October 24th, 

but NO Group Class on October 31st (Halloween!)

October 22nd Recital

It's just a week until the first recital of the school year! Everyone has been polishing their pieces and working on tone through renewing our Strong Bent Thumb habits.

This recital features a focus on review, graduating students, and a reception where everyone can congratulate each other on their hard work.

Please consider something that you would like to contribute to the RECEPTION on Sunday.

Arrival time is 1:45 for a 2:00 start.

The busyness of this time of year has begun and as a result we have a few more absences than normal at this recital. Although the recital may be a tad shorter than previous years, it will definitely not be lacking in readiness. I am looking forward to seeing everyone's hard work pay off!

GROUP CLASS REMINDERS:
This Tuesday October 17th is the MANDATORY REHEARSAL for the recital.

The following Tuesday October 24th will be a Halloween Themed Group Class (costumes optional).

Tuesday October 31st there is NO GROUP - Enjoy your Halloween!

This fall is the first in 4 years that I will no be running Fiddle Class. Although I am disappointed by this, I am welcoming some time off on my Saturday afternoons to regroup and put together some great ideas for the winter. Stay tuned for winter Fiddle Class dates and other performing opportunities available as part of the December 3rd Holiday Recital!

Changes

I have so many half finish posts and projects on the go right now. So many ideas I want to share with you all but my mind seems to be in chaos since the move this summer. I live for organization and although I have accomplished all the major projects from moving, my list of little projects seems to be growing by the day. So while I work on reorganizing my life and my work, posts may continue to be minimal on the blog. I will still post reminders and important dates on here, but other works will be on hold. I hope to get back into the swing of writing soon.

I have seen some great strides in practice over these past couple weeks and students working diligently to get in daily practice. Don't forget about your STRONG BENT THUMBS! Keep working on your schedules and trying to prioritize everything that you want to accomplish in a day and I will continue to do the same as I work through all these changes.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful long weekend!