Practice video: Appreciate your child’s unique journey

Keep faith in the process How do you connect with your child’s unique journey? Welcome to Practice Corner! Today we talk about staying focused on the work we do with our children and how to appreciate the small steps of learning. Your child has their own unique journey that won’t look like anyone else’s. Keep faith … Read More

Practice video: Review Games

How can you keep music practice interesting Welcome to Practice Corner! We’ve talked all about why review is so important to build our repertoire… but how do you keep it fun and engaging? This week we’ll go over some creative ways to use review games to keep practice interesting. Watch live (and ask questions)! Tune in … Read More

Practice video: The importance of review

Why are review songs important? Join Jodie for a discussion of the importance of review. Review is such a large part of the Suzuki philosophy, and it can make a difference in the success of the child. Watch live (and ask questions)! Tune in every other Monday evening at ESMA’s Facebook Page for new Practice Corners. … Read More

Practice video: The Odd and Even Game

How can you work on endings or tricky spots in a practice piece? Are you looking for a way to diffuse conflicts or add some fun? Get out your dice and play the Odd and Even Game with Jodie! This video is our first foray into doing practice videos on Facebook (we’ll also be rolling … Read More

Bead chain practice challenge

ESMA’s 100 day practice challenge Students aren’t the only ones who need regular practice—teachers need it too. I recently started a #100DayPracticeChallenge with some fellow Suzuki teachers. It’s simple: practice 100 days in a row. And you know what? That’s something I’ve (surprisingly) never done. As I was preparing for the challenge, I realized that … Read More

Workshop Mar. 12: Ring Around Your Review

In partnership with the Eugene Suzuki Strings Association, ESMA is one of many local Suzuki studios leading a review song workshop on Mar. 12. The workshop features lively, fun-focused Suzuki group and musicianship classes with teachers from throughout our community, with a focus on how to integrate review into your family’s practice routine and maintain … Read More

Recitals are good for babies and toddlers too

Did you know that recitals are important for babies and toddlers too? Playing in recitals, or even just attending, helps infants and young children in many ways: Builds confidence, listening, and social skills Engages young children with music Shows that it’s okay to feel nervous Demonstrates that people’s efforts and hard work are appreciated Fosters … Read More

Cozy Friend Practice Game

Want to try something new in your child’s practice? Here’s a suggestion from Julie, whose daughter and son are ESMA violin students: In our family, stuffed animals are called cozy friends. In this practice game, 8 cozy friends “compete” against each other to see who is the best at guessing which of 2 practice spots … Read More

What is the key to success?

In our Suzuki music lessons, we talk a lot about the importance of perseverance and practice. But there’s something else just as important—if not even more important. In this TED Talk video, consultant-turned-math-teacher Angela Lee Duckworth describes what she considers a key indicator of how a child can succeed. It’s a little thing called “grit.” … Read More

Register for Summer Suzuki Music Institutes

Suzuki Institutes are a great way to get a new violin experience. You’ll get the opportunity to work with fantastic teachers and spend quality summer time with your child. There are often scholarships available for students to attend. Some of the registration dates are coming up soon, so don’t delay: Northwest Suzuki Institute We are … Read More