Inspiring Quotes:
"Though everything else may appear shallow and repulsive, even the smallest task in music is so absorbing, and carries us so far away from town, country, earth, and all worldly things, that it is truly a blessed gift of God." ~ Felix Mendelssohn, composer (1809-1847)
"Only when the form grows clear to you, will the spirit become so too." ~ Robert Schumann, Advice to Young Musicians (1848), composer (1810-1956)
"To play without passion is inexcusable!" ~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composesr (1770-1827)
"Endeavour to play easy pieces well and beautifully; that is better than to play difficult pieces indifferently well. When you play, never mind who listens to you. Play always as if in the presence of a master." ~ Robert Schumann
"Only when the form grows clear to you, will the spirit become so too." ~ Robert Schumann, Advice to Young Musicians (1848), composer (1810-1956)
"To play without passion is inexcusable!" ~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composesr (1770-1827)
"Endeavour to play easy pieces well and beautifully; that is better than to play difficult pieces indifferently well. When you play, never mind who listens to you. Play always as if in the presence of a master." ~ Robert Schumann
Helpful Links:
http://www.dsokids.com/athome/practice.aspx
http://musiced.about.com/od/adviceformusicians/tp/practicetime.htm
http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/resources/articles/practice.html
http://www.violinonline.com/practicetips.htm
http://m.npr.org/story/155282684?url=/blogs/deceptivecadence/2012/06/18/155282684/getting-kids-to-practice-music-without-tears-or-tantrums
http://musiced.about.com/od/adviceformusicians/tp/practicetime.htm
http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/resources/articles/practice.html
http://www.violinonline.com/practicetips.htm
http://m.npr.org/story/155282684?url=/blogs/deceptivecadence/2012/06/18/155282684/getting-kids-to-practice-music-without-tears-or-tantrums
So your child wants to play the violin or viola . . . now what?
1. Listening to the pieces they will be learning is very important. Children “catch” things all the time when they listen. Listening increases the rate of learning (for example: learning a movement of the Seitz concerto in 2 weeks is the result of listening to it for 2 months prior to playing it).
2. Get used to concert-going! Go to recitals and other live concerts to see other violinists & violists play.
3. A typical lesson is made up of the following parts:
-Technique (Scales, Exercises, & Etudes)
-Review (playing pieces already learned, but the focus is on making it sound as “musical” as possible)
-Preview (introducing the new piece, concentrating on new skills that are required to play the piece)
4. As a parent, be fascinated by any improvement, no matter how small. Let your child see your excitement!
5. Children like what they can do! Encourage your child to participate in school “show & tell” or talent show with their instrument.
6. Parents should act as the assistant teacher by getting involved in practice. Have your child play for you, and help them with what is being taught in the lesson.
7. Suzuki had a good sense of humor…so have fun with practice!
8. Don’t be surprised if your child tells you they don’t like to practice. I didn’t always enjoy practicing, but did anyway. Having an external motivation like an upcoming recital or competition helped. Of course, I also didn’t want to disappoint my teacher by not being prepared for a lesson!
9. For the very young child (ages 3-4), parents need to be very understanding, supportive, and a good “home teacher.” Otherwise, the student should wait until they are 5 or 6 yrs. old to begin violin or viola study.
10. Students need different amounts of practice time, depending on their level. For instance, a beginner might start with only 15 minutes per day, but an advanced student will need at least 1 hour of practice each day. Please consult with me to make sure your child is spending the appropriate amount of time practicing each day.
2. Get used to concert-going! Go to recitals and other live concerts to see other violinists & violists play.
3. A typical lesson is made up of the following parts:
-Technique (Scales, Exercises, & Etudes)
-Review (playing pieces already learned, but the focus is on making it sound as “musical” as possible)
-Preview (introducing the new piece, concentrating on new skills that are required to play the piece)
4. As a parent, be fascinated by any improvement, no matter how small. Let your child see your excitement!
5. Children like what they can do! Encourage your child to participate in school “show & tell” or talent show with their instrument.
6. Parents should act as the assistant teacher by getting involved in practice. Have your child play for you, and help them with what is being taught in the lesson.
7. Suzuki had a good sense of humor…so have fun with practice!
8. Don’t be surprised if your child tells you they don’t like to practice. I didn’t always enjoy practicing, but did anyway. Having an external motivation like an upcoming recital or competition helped. Of course, I also didn’t want to disappoint my teacher by not being prepared for a lesson!
9. For the very young child (ages 3-4), parents need to be very understanding, supportive, and a good “home teacher.” Otherwise, the student should wait until they are 5 or 6 yrs. old to begin violin or viola study.
10. Students need different amounts of practice time, depending on their level. For instance, a beginner might start with only 15 minutes per day, but an advanced student will need at least 1 hour of practice each day. Please consult with me to make sure your child is spending the appropriate amount of time practicing each day.