Off to a Great Start
by Judy Olmstead-O'Regan
One month down since school/work has begun and I can see that students are beginning to get into a routine. For many of you, the routine has changed from last year and some are busier.
Here are a few tips to stay on track:
1. Sit down with your child and the family calendar to plot out how and when practice will happen. Parents are responsible for holding students to that schedule.
2 Practice does not have to happen in one block of time. Older students can take breaks from homework and do 1 practice point per break.
3. Read or make sure your child receives their practice notes and uses them for every practice. Most kids will grab the instrument and start sawing away! That’s fine, as long as the notes are eventually consulted.
4. Listening to the repertoire will reduce the time it takes to learn a piece. Hearing the recordings falls on parents to make it happen. Having a personal listening device does not guarantee your child is listening to their recordings!
Travel/commute time is great for listening.
5. Review - With group classes beginning, it is assumed that students can play all of their repertoire. Don’t panic….make sure you are blasting it at home and choose a few pieces each week to bring back. Once group classes are in full swing, you will receive a list of pieces to work on with your class.
Help your child become comfortable playing in their group class by making a friend. Go for pizza after group class or plan a play-date.
The social aspect of playing music together is one of the main reasons kids stay with their instruments. It’s fun!
6. Keep your eyes on the Suzuki Calendar and plan to attend all events. Preparing for concerts and recitals is one of the best ways to keep kids motivated and enjoying their musical journey. Imagine a hockey team that practices without playing games!!! Would your child want to join?
Events to look forward to:
Faculty Benefit Concert - Hear your teachers play
Play-In- meet and play with all students in our program
December Recital - choose your favourite piece and perform it
Family and Friends Concert - call a friend or grab a family member; choose a piece and play it for us
VIVA Suzuki - play on stage with over 50 musicians at once! What a sound!
Spring Recital - a time to celebrate your progress this school year.
7. Your Equipment - Keep your instrument in top shape and all other necessary equipment at hand. Having an extra set of strings, for string players, is a good idea. Strings can break at any time.
8. Keep the Suzuki Triangle( Parent-Teacher-Student) healthy by keeping the lines of communication open with your teacher. Contact them with concerns when they arise.
Have a wonderful year!
