Don't Settle, Keep Learning

It's the end of August... somehow!

I'm getting into gear for the start of the school year as I'm sure most of you are as well. It can be slightly intimidating to know that fall is on the way (even if you are like me and absolutely love this time of year!). Lunches need to be packed, schedules made, books and papers organized, rides need to be arranged for activities... With the start of school and fall, I find myself looking for inspiration and motivation for the year. Ways to make things more efficient than last year, more productive, ways to enjoy this time of year even more.

So I wanted to pass along an article someone sent to me at the beginning of August. Something that really stuck with me is the idea that:

Being a musician means 'consistently reassessing what you do' 

If we take what we learn and the discipline we practice in music lessons and apply this to other and all areas of our life, we can succeed at anything.

Let's start the year off with the mindset that we will experiment, we will try new things and new ways, always working to be the best that we can be - for ourselves and for those around us.

You can find the article HERE.

Enjoy!

Registration is DUE!

Although registration is due in just a couple weeks on July 31st, thank you to many of you for sending it in before hand. 

This is just a heads up that I will be sending out invoices for the annual membership fee within the week which secures your lesson time that we have agreed upon. It also gives you the chance to update any payment information for the fall if you would like to change how you pay for your monthly tuition.

If you have chosen to pay tuition by cheque, please arrange to bring cheques to your summer lesson or drop them off to me by July 31st.

If you are unsure about our agreed lesson time, you will either receive an e-mail from me shortly confirming (because most likely I'm not sure either), or please just send me a quick e-mail to clarify.

I look forward to another great year of music!

By the way, we are heading into FESTIVAL SEASON and there are a lot of (FREE!) opportunities to hear some amazing music.

This weekend is Sunfest in London (FREE).

Canterbury Folk Festival in Ingersoll (FREE) July 13-15

Home County in London (FREE) July 20-22

Shane Cook is in Stratford (FREE) July 26-29

Goderich Celtic Festival ($$$ - highly recommended) August 10-12

Go check it out!

Starting the Summer Strong

As I mentioned in the last post, although there have been no major life changes this year as there was last year, I have been struggling with a lot of minor, inner changes. Turning 30 unexpectedly made me face a lot of things about myself that I am unhappy with and made me realize things I want to work on changing. And although they are small things, a lot of small insecurities can add up to some really big problems.

My purpose for this blog has dwindled the past couple years as my priorities have shifted... but that's really just an excuse. I've stopped writing about what matters to me. Out of fear, uncertainty and many more things that I'm trying to battle. I plan on sharing a lot more once the new school year starts on how I've been changing things and how it all relates to teaching through the Suzuki method. 

In the meantime, here is some inspiration to get active this summer, to work a little bit less, to spend more time with family and to do the things that we love to do. The amount of money we make and the hours we work mean nothing if there is unhappiness attached. And in the end, everyone around us will benefit so much more if we can do what we need to do to get rid of it. For me, the best way to gain some perspective is to go on an adventure. Any adventure.

So here's what I've done so far:

Ran my first HALF MARATHON

Crossing the finish line - instantly vowed never to do it again, and now committing to another round of torture in September. 

Rugged Manic 5k Obstacle Course

Yes, I am leaping over FIRE (one of the tamer obstacles)!

Performing with Celtic Shift

We haven't performed much this year, and even though I do not consider myself a performer, it felt incredible to be able to play this music that I love with a group of amazing musicians who challenge me every time we play together. The feeling of being up on stage and letting the music take over was exhilarating. Not to mention the Winter Fiddle Class did an incredible job in joining us on two numbers. So proud of you all! *SPOILER* A Christmas album is in the works for the end of the year, fingers crossed! 

Declutter & organize the house = declutter & organize the mind

After moving and purchasing a home from the within the family (which has it's own challenges), adjusting to living on one level and just dealing with a 10+ year accumulation of stuff, I am getting rid of a lot. I am keeping only what we use and what means something to us. Although I declutter & organize on a regular basis, this has been a major project and feels incredibly freeing to be rid of so much stuff! Garage Sale this SATURDAY!

NOW...

Challenge yourself to look at your life and problem solve your way out of the little things that give you unhappiness. Even though there will be some things that we don't have much control over, more often then not our unhappiness is self-inflicted. Break down these walls and free yourself from the cages we put ourselves in. If I can do it, so can you.

Planning for Summer

Where did May go? 
There was so much to celebrate this month, but it's also been a reminder of time gone by.

My sister, brother and niece all turned a year older, my husband and I have been married for 5 years, my daughter is nearing a year and a half and another year of teaching comes to a close in just a few weeks.

Although there are no major life changes this year, I've been dealing a lot of small inner changes over the past few months. Some days are great and some days I don't handle things very well.

When these days hit I can either drown myself in self doubt or I can get out of the house and do something. This can take a lot more effort than I'd like some days but having people in my life that inspire me and planning for the things that are important to me make all the difference.

As you start or continue to plan your summer for your kids and yourself, make a point to schedule in all the important things you want to do, as individuals and as a family. The summer goes by too quickly (and is really just a warm-up for how fast the remaining months of the year go by!)

Whatever it is you put on your list, make sure it includes getting outside, for the parents especially! No matter what we might be dealing with in our lives or what stresses we are trying to handle, getting outside is an instant release and refresh, and gives us new perspective to face our everyday challenges.

Here's what the Barten's have planned this summer:

As a Family                                                                  Personal Goals

Festivals (Home County, Goderich, Stratford)             Half Marathon
Gymworld Classes (for my tumbler!)                          June 16th Celtic Shift at London Music Club
Swimming & Splash Pads                                            Newfoundland
Storybook Gardens                                                       Tough Mudder
Clovermead                                                                   Rugged Maniac
Kusterman's Farm
Beach
St. Jacob's Market
Runs & Bike Rides
Rock Climbing!
Mustang Drive in
GARDENING!

As I've been telling my students, the summer is a chance to relax a bit with violin practice as they are not necessarily expected to be doing a lot of WORK. Progress on new pieces will be minimal and this is an acceptable break. What is not acceptable is to stop playing all together. So pull out those review charts or get creative and create your own review stations. Play what you know, maintain your skills, try something new and get inspired by going to festivals and shows. I'll let you know as the summer goes a long what shows you'll find me at! 

Happy Summer!

Celtic Shift at London Music Club - June 16th

It's been quite awhile since we've put on a show so I am really looking forward to this evening to play some favourites from our album On One Beautiful Day as well as some new sets. The Winter Fiddle Class 2018 will also be featured during the evening showcasing some of the amazing (foot) work they did this session. Hope to see you there!

Registration Information

Here is everything you need to register for Summer Lessons, 2018-2019 Lessons and the Small Steps Summer Session:

Click HERE to register for SUMMER LESSONS

Click HERE to register for 2018-2019 VIOLIN LESSONS

Click HERE to register for SMALL STEPS SUMMER SESSION

Please check your email for FEE SCHEDULES (no changes to fees)

Access all lesson dates, group classes and recital dates HERE

There is FINALLY no change to registration or the calendar this year (no babies on the way and no moving!) I'm looking forward to a relaxing summer and hope you all can do the same!

Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to all the incredible mom's out there! Enjoy the weekend with your family.

Congrats on a Recital Well Done!

As I watched everyone perform, I remembered last year's recital like it was yesterday. It dawned on me how different so many of the players are and how many faces were missing from past years.

The past 8 years of teaching have been incredible, but incredibly fast. Especially these last two years. It seems to be the side effect of having kids; time starts to fast forward no matter how much we try to stop and enjoy the small moments. Everything just flies by.

This weekend flew by way to quickly, so I want to take note of the incredible moments and music that I heard from two different groups of performers.

On Saturday, the Fiddle Class put on an amazing show at Chartwell Residence. I didn't feel like I was leading a group of students or that it was something we just threw together. It feel real and polished, heartfelt and powerful. We just played. Everyone knew what to do, and we all did it together. These students continue to surprise me in taking my crazy ideas and turning them into something real and amazing. I am so proud of these performers.

On Sunday, the Group Class performed advanced repertoire confidently and younger students demonstrated respect, patience and immense self control to be able to wait for the pieces they know how to play. These students put together ensembles with minimal rehearsal time and played them all beautifully and coherently. They all made my job way too easy and I am so proud of the individuals they are growing up to be.

Although I only saw a moment of it, my heart stopped as I watched my daughter on stage during Row Your Boat. I can't believe the little person she is turning into. She knows more than I will ever know.

None is these experiences would be possible without the continued support of all my students and Suzuki families. Thank you for supporting Amy's Violin School and allowing me to continue to do what I love.

Happy Spring!