The Suzuki Association of the Americas presents: Parents as Partners Online!
Presented via the SAA website over the course of six weeks, PPO will feature informative talks on various parent education and Suzuki education topics. The Parents as Partners Online sessions are sure to be informative and inspiring. And they are concise--only 10 to 20 minutes each--just right to fit into your busy lifestyle and accessible anytime, day or night.
Visit this website for more information:
suzukiassociation.org/email/282/
Visit this website for more information:
suzukiassociation.org/email/282/
Making the Most of your Lesson Time
by Shelley Beard Schleigh
by Shelley Beard Schleigh
For many music students, the most important part of their learning experience is the weekly private lesson. Groups classes, orchestra, chamber music, and theory classes are very important components of the musical learning experience however they could never take the place of the individual lesson. Much of learning to play a musical instrument well requires very specific feedback and even hands on help from a master teacher. It is during the one-on-one time with the teacher that the student can asses his/her strengths and weaknesses and thus find ways to most appropriately addresses these issues on an individual basis.
The standard is for individual lesson is to occur once a week for 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the student's age and level. If a student were to practice every day (which is recommended), only one-seventh of the total learning experience would be with the teacher. Imagine the progress a student would make if the individual lessons were to occur every day! Unfortunately, that is impractical in most cases. However, here are some tips for making the most of your precious individual lesson time.
1) Arrive early. It is difficult to be in the right state of mind for learning if you are rushing in feeling frustrated and/or guilty for being late. Also, just plain missing lesson time does not help you to get the most out of it.
2) Get ready BEFORE the lessons begins. Go to the bathroom. Wash your hands. Take your coat off. Get your instrument out of the case and have it ready to go (assembled, bow rosined and tighten, etc).
3) Open your lesson books to the appropriate pages and have your pencil handy.
4) Consider arriving early enough to warm-up a bit before the lesson begins. Or warm-up at home before leaving. You will play better at your lesson if your assignments are fresh in your mind and your fingers.
5) Take notes during the lesson (or have your parent take notes). That way, you won't forget important items your teacher addresses.
6) Consider tape or video recording your lesson. That way, you will have an exact memory of what was addressed in the lesson. You will also be able to see/hear yourself play which is always a valuable learning tool.
7) Consider expanding your lesson length. If you feel that you are just barely getting through your assignments it may mean you need a longer lesson. Discuss this option with your teacher. Many very advanced students take 90 or even 120 minute lessons. Or even consider taking an individual lesson twice a week (with the same teacher, of course). This is often a means for maximum progress.
8) Schedule the lesson during a time when you are fresh and focused.
9) Young students often benefit from having a healthy snack before the lesson especially if it occurs right after school. Be careful to avoid foods that may have a negative effect on one's mood and/or energy level.
