Suzuki, Viola, Teaching, Learning, Loving
Does your instrument case tweet? Our String Player of the Week has a very active violin case that posts social media updates from around the world! Hilary Hahn is only 38 years old but as of this writing has played 1594 concerts. She has also won three Grammy awards and she regularly performs with major... Continue Reading →
And the GRAMMY goes to... a viola concerto! Last night's GRAMMY awards for best contemporary classical composition went to Jennifer Higdon's "Viola Concerto", played by Roberto Diaz. You can learn more about Higdon's wonderful new music here, but since this blog is about the viola, let's talk more about the viola player who recorded Higdon's... Continue Reading →
I love the Winter Olympic Games. The athletes and events are a fun diversion during the cold, dark months of winter and it's inspiring to watch the drive, artistry and focus of the world's best athletes. So for this semester, my students are participating in the "ViOlympics" (violin/viola olympics).
In the beginning stages of playing the violin or viola, there are many things to consider: the posture, bow hold, and bowing motion for starters. But for beginners, simply placing the fingers in the correct shape on the fingerboard and using an appropriate amount of force vs. relaxation of the finger can be a challenge.... Continue Reading →
My "New Year's" Resolution For many teachers, September feels more the like the “new year” than January 1st. I love all the school supply sales and the sense of new beginnings. This time of the year, I like to also take time to reflect on how I can improve and streamline my teaching. My goal... Continue Reading →
It’s that time again and here in St. Louis, we are all settling into the new school year. But while you’re getting your backpacks, markers, and rulers, there are some items that pop up at stores this time of the year that can help with music practice. Most are available year round, but a lot... Continue Reading →
It's back-to-school time here in St. Louis, and I'm busy getting ready for the new year, but before things get too crazy, I want to share my experience at the American Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point Wisconsin. I spent the last two weeks of July this year in Stevens Point, taking some viola teacher training.... Continue Reading →
Summer is a great time to catch up on on some reading. I’m off to Wisconsin soon and will be gone for a few weeks, so I was excited to get a new book in the mail with just enough time to read it before I left town. The book is called “Beyond the Music... Continue Reading →
My Favorite Scale Books Last week, I talked about the importance of scale practice for young string students. This week, I thought I would go more into detail about how I introduce scales and some of the materials I use. There are suggested scales printed throughout the Suzuki Method Books, but for my own teaching,... Continue Reading →
