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StephanieA
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 3:06pm | IP Logged
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Dear Macbeth or anyone with an opinion 
My middle girls are taking Suzuki violin and are in book 4 and 6. They had the opportunity take take one lesson with a young violinist, Liesel Schoenberger, who is from Cape Girardeau. After the lesson they were thrilled  However, for about a year both have not really looked forward to lessons with their regular Suzuki teacher. In fact, the older one (12) who is finishing book 4 is about ready to quit.
Would you suggest jumping ship and finding a new teacher? Our group has only 2 teachers and this isn't going to be a great "political" move 
And to be honest, I don't know really if the other teacher is any better. But it seems that we aren't lighting any fires around here for practicing.
I thought about buying Mimi Zwieg's CDs DVDs. Does anyone know anything about these? Liesel studies with Mimi, so that is why I ask.
Also my daughter's have never been introduced to scales or etudes? Liesel seemed a bit surprised at this. They have only been playing for 2 years, and I don't play violin, so I am not sure what to do.
Any suggestions????
Thanks so much!
Blessings,
Stephanie
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alicegunther
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 4:43pm | IP Logged
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Stephanie, I am poking my head in to say how impressed I am that they are in books 4 and 6 in only two years! That's really great!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
     
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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StephanieA
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 5:50pm | IP Logged
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Well, Alice, yes and no. It is great, but that really is part of the problem, I think. They are moving so fast and are just now getting any supplemental music, Barbara Barber pieces. And then only on occasion.
The older boys started playing as near teens and went much slower. The oldest doesn't play now in college, but the 12th grader is in book 6. However, he plays out of 3-4 books. Suzuki is only part of his lessons. The 9 year old is finishing up book 5. She isn't in book 6 quite yet. She corrected me. (I knew someone was in book 6 But that really isn't what counts as far as I am concerned. I am more concerned about them knowing the material and enjoying the process.
Do your kids do Suzuki, Alice? If so, does your program include scales, etudes, etc. for students after book 3 or so? Stephen's teacher began branching out with book 3 and it seems he has a much better feel for vibrato, timing, etc. I just don't know if our present teacher is building a good foundation. Anyway, I think this has been a problem for 6 months or so at least. The girls just don't seem confident or happy while practicing. When they left after their lesson with Liesel they were ECSTATIC. Liesel talked down the metronome a bit, which with some of these concertos in book 4 and 5 is nearly impossible for my girls to use correctly. Slowing down and counting aloud is much more effective for them. But their teacher wants the metronome. And she wants contests. My girls dislike contests. They enjoy recitals and playing at the nursing home at Christmas though.
Anymore thoughts and comments would be most appreciated as I discern what direction to take. I have been overall very pleased with Suzuki and the wonderful repetroire. But the frustration, especially for the 12 year old hormonal girl is not quite worth it, I don't think. Maybe I am not understanding the program well enough. I am just not sure of myself
Blesssings,
Stephanie
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marianne
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| Posted: July 31 2007 at 7:50am | IP Logged
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Stephanie,
I have kids in Suzuki, and I just got back from camp! I also play/teach cello. I'd say that if your kids have made it to Book 4 and 5 after only 2 years, then your teacher is doing something seriously right! As far as etudes and scales go, if they are playing their pieces in the books proficiently, they don't need the scales and etudes yet. Scales and etudes are not going to inspire the kids to practice more, either. It sounds to me like your teacher is doing a great job, and you could just address that question about etudes (and vibrato, ect) to her and see what she says.
The metronome must be your friend - it is an important practice tool that professionals use all the time - counting out loud is not the same thing and will not produce the same results - after all, you can slow down and speed up your counting to match how you want to destroy the rhythm in your piece.
Many kids get to that point where they don't want to practice - it's hard work. It's also very invigorating to work with a new teacher; but that honeymoon will wear off and you'll be back where you started, unless this new teacher is a miracle worker.
I wouldn't address the "hate to practice" problem by switching teachers - I would look at it as a self discipline lesson. Are you sitting in on lessons still? If the girls don't seem to know what to practice, Dr. Suzuki would say that you should be there to take notes for them. Communication with the teacher is also important - does she keep a notebook to write down assignments from the lesson?
That was pretty random, but I had to hurry, my kids will be down for breakfast at any moment! Hope you can work this out! Your dds sound really amazing.
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donnalynn
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| Posted: Aug 02 2007 at 11:31am | IP Logged
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Hi Stephanie -
My girls 10 and 13 have been playing for 2 years with our current teacher and are moving into book 3. Our teacher also uses another book series - "All for Strings" maybe? (older daughter has them over a friend's house at the moment ). The girls also started with the 1st prepatory group for the local youth orchestra - which our teacher happens to conduct and is the founder. They will be moving up a level this fall. Any youth orchestras or other string ensembles in your area?
Students from other teachers are also in the orchestra and are expected to go over the music with their own teacher. There are two prep levels which are strings with some percussion and then a full youth orchestra. When you move up you also play with the younger group as a mentor.
Using the other books has given my daughters the opportunity to play little duets which at times can cause a bit of crankiness but what joy when they get together and it comes out right! They've also played some of little pieces in a round with their teacher.
There are always times when they don't want to practice but I think the variety of their work makes it easier - they have a "contract" with the teacher and a sheet to fill out to keep track of their required practices.
I have been very pleased with their progress and am glad we aren't going any faster because they also both sing in our local children's choir. We started with the choir first and it really is their first love, I think. Older dd also almost insisted on quitting the violin in order to take up bagpipes - we agreed that she could start on the chanter for bagpipes but should continue with violin.
Well enough rambling -
Donna
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donnalynn
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Mama Moon
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| Posted: Aug 08 2007 at 5:48am | IP Logged
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Does she want a break from lessons for a few months? I sometimes feel that helps. I did violin, piano and flute. Sometimes I would concentrate more on one because there was always a time when one of them was getting me down. Afer the break I missed it! And went back refreshed and more "mature" about it - ans dome of the technical problems I might be having were overcome with the break. I remember saying I wanted to give up - but really underneath I loved playing the instruments. There must be some of that love of playing in your dds otherwise I don't think they would be on book 4 in two years! 
Blessings,
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Violin/ teacher question...Macbeth?
