Living Life By Design

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Suave Suzuki Sisters

It's not a topic oft discussed, at least not in the circles within which I dizzy myself. Yet I find I must make mention of it here.

We're familiar with the Suzuki method of instruction, primarily for violin, right? In January, T started taking violin from a wonderful instructor. I say wonderful because I haven't seen that degree of patience in a long time. Music teachers are a anointed, special set of people. God bless them!

For those of you who have not had a child take music lessons the Suzuki way, part of the commitment is on the part of the parent to sit attentively engaged at each lesson. AND...then to show that same level of engagement for each day of practice throughout the week with their child. That's quite a commitment.

Especially for violin. It's quite a tricky instrument...I think we attended 4 or 5 lessons before he even put bow to string. And the other level of commitment...

...well, you ever seen what a 5 year old can do when you put a fragile instrument like a violin in his hands? We're talking serious mom/dad needs to be "in the moment" during music practice.

Not long after he started lessons I watched a show on the Duggers (large family of 12 now, I think). As they celebrated the building of their new home, the family stood next to the grand piano and about 10 or 11 of the children played together on their violins.

10 violins for children: thousands of dollars
Coordinated holiday outfits for family: hundreds of dollars
Sweat equity of mom and dad who had to sit with each for each lesson and HOW many practice sessions: priceless!!

The years of musical memories the family will experience: residual emotional income.

God bless Mrs. Dugger and all parents of violin students, especially those tiny Suzuki students. I had NO IDEA what I was signing myself up for.

So today, this post is just a shout-out to all my Suave Suzuki Sisters...may you be blessed a hundredfold for your gift to your children!

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - The outcome

Posted by Debbie

Last night we saw the Chicago Youth Symphony play with the Chicago Sinfonietta. I'm sure many of those kids were students of Suzuki. And boy could they play! I thought of T and hope to see him in about 10 years in the same type of venue!

Viva la musica!

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Tuesday, June 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Aliadelaide

we love our suzuki teachers. Three of our children learn violin(their teacher is sight-impaired and has a beautiful black labrador in lessons too!!) and one learns suzuki piano from a teacher that stresses reading music by beginning of book 2. I think quality of learning depends on individual teachers and how they interpret the method...sounds like you have found a great teacher!

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About Me

God designed our lives through to the end from the very beginning. All we need to do is choose to live according to that design. My being home is God's best for my family! And ooh -- what an adventure! ...and that's what this blog is about: living and learning and laughing with our family.