FEBRUARY Studio News

  Monday, February 1, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  February tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  February Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Feb 15 to Fri, Feb 19.

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                       

Group Classes will meet on Friday, February 26th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

   Parent Education                                     

 I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to highlight an article already in the folder:  6 Words You Should Say Today by Rachel Macy Stafford,  Ideas for building confidence in our kids.  Toggle over to the Online Resources Tab>Parent Education folder to find this article.  View it online, Download it or Print it!

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.    

 

    Summer Suzuki Institutes                        

Its that time of year again!  Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment.  Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats.  This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel.  Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer.  The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants.  I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer.    Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

    Studio Challenges                                   

Congratulations to the students who completed the 12 Days of Christmas practice challenge:  Glover Wilson, Timothy Baker, Luke Fox, Elizabeth Baucom, Cataleya Kelley and Divya Kancharla.  Way to go!!

2020 was a record year for practicing!  You all did a great job!!  Being stuck at home so much definitely helped - and now that these habits are established, let's keep them going!  Check out this pic of the last 3 months of practicing (and I will admit that I didn't get it all recorded - for some of you, there were many days not added to this chart.)  I think that is the fullest any of our charts have been!  I am so proud of you all and the progress you are making.  Keep up the good work!

Next up, our 2021 studio challenge is...drumroll please... LISTENING!  All of this practicing is excellent and irreplaceable in the realm of acquiring a skill.  Nevertheless, in the music world, hearing a model of what you are trying to achieve is a MAJOR HELP.  I will begin asking about your weekly listening along with # of practice days starting this week!  Get out those recordings, put on those tapping feet and let's make this a habit in 2021!

    Suzuki Book Recordings                         

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                                       

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Pablo de Sarasate (see notes below).  Moving forward chronologically, this is one of the first recorded violinists in history.  The recording is definitely different in quality than what we have to listen to today.  Even so, how amazing it is it to be able to listen to a recording that is almost 120 years old?!

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

Enjoy!

Pablo de Sarasate (1844)

Beginning to play at the age of five and giving his first public concert at eight, de Sarasate won broad recognition as a virtuoso. He won the Paris conservatory’s highest honor at aged 17 and was largely responsible for popularizing Spanish music among some of the leading composers of the late 19th century. Considering that he was born in 1844, it is remarkable that we do have audio recordings of his work. Here he is in a _{recording from 1904.}

George Bernard Shaw once said of Sarasate that “he left criticism gasping for miles behind him.” He lived from 1844 to 1908, and we should consider ourselves supremely lucky to have some of his wax cylinder recordings, from around 1904, including his own piece, Zigeunerweisen (recording link above). The recording capabilities back then were terrible for anything other than percussive sounds, like a piano or drums, unless the sound was directed straight into the megaphone. A violin can do neither very well, and it is difficult to hear all the passages of the piece, but they are there, and he doesn’t miss a single note.

His technique is actually a little more crystal clear than Heifetz’s, without so much as one fuzzy or scraped note, but with all the emotion and speed up to par and brilliant. Any violin virtuoso is inevitably compared with the next entry, and almost always somewhat unfavorably, but Sarasate was one of the rare exceptions whom people can actually hear perform.

A repeat of the link above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC64hVc8ZI0 (you may have to cut and paste this link)

Some of his other compositions: 

Malaguena, Op. 21 No. 1 performed by Rachel Barton Pines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNSeceitjBQ

Habanera, Op. 21 No. 2 performed by Yehudi Menuhin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAf1__vmyak

Carmen Fantasy, performed by Chole Chua, age 12,  https://youtu.be/pNGoAUz0nhE

And a fun video of Chloe and TwoSet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slrHpGlxHQA

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                         

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 
• Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

JANUARY Studio News

  Saturday, January 2, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  January tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  January Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Jan 4 to Fri, Jan 8.  Happy New Year!

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, January 29th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

   12 Days of Christmas                        

A friendly reminder to keep practicing!!!  This is a longer break than we have had in the past.  So, please use this studio challenge to motivate those hours of practicing.  I will have sweet treats for all participants: those who complete all 24 days and those who complete some.  If you need to start up today, then do it!!  See if you can stick with it until your next lesson.   😊👍

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a monthly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html   Once you register to participate, they will send you information regarding the day and time. 

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to encourage you to look over the articles I have already added and see what title speaks to you!  It might just be the help you need as we start a new year. ;-)  ALSO, take a few moments to read over these 10 words of encouragement (an no there is not a typo, that one is THAT important. ;-)

I don't know who to give credit for this list, but I feel they are reminders we ALL need to have as we start a new year.  ❤ 

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.    

 

    Suzuki Book Recordings                                  

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                             

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Ole Bull (see notes below).   I figured January was a good time to start back at the beginning. Although he is not performing, it is good to learn about violinists who were also composers - their legacy lives on!

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

Enjoy!

A Short documentary from Viking Cruises:https://youtu.be/Wt99_n6NfTM 

CANTABILE DOLOROS E RONDO GIOCOSO by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/PcyUqTiNjJo

Concerto in A major, Op. 4 by Ole Bull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm180QWAYVo

Concerto in E minor, by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/jgfsMCYlHBo

Aurora by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/nxfYeLdujms

Collection of several pieces: https://youtu.be/sg1lEA268O0

Please share these with the kids.

Ole Bull (1810)

He is not an American Indian, as his name seems to suggest in English. He was Norwegian, and lived from 1810 to 1880, during which time he toured Europe concertizing with the likes of Franz Liszt, Clara (and Robert) Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn and others.

Back then, the public didn’t have TV to distract them until 7:00 in the evening, so they showed up at noon, with their lunch and supper, and the recitalists had to wow them for up to 6 hours. No one person can be expected to do this, of course, so various great performers would collaborate when passing by each other’s home towns.

Robert Schumann considered Bull to have an uncommon clarity and precision in his technique, to the point that, no matter how fast the music got, Bull never missed a note, and you could hear them all just fine. Clara loved him more than any other violinist she heard in person. Not an easy virtuoso to outmatch.

DECEMBER Studio News

  Tuesday, December 1, 2020 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  December tuition                               

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  December Schedule                              

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Dec 21 to Fri, Jan 8.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, December 11th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a monthly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html   Once you register to participate, they will send you information regarding the day and time. 

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I have added a new file for you to access.  As we look towards a new year, maybe one of these 5 ideas will speak to you and enhance your music journey with your child.  "5 Little Ideas" is the name of the file.  I don't know who to give credit for this list of ideas, but I sure did enjoy reading them and wanted to share! 

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what speaks to you.    

 

    Suzuki Book Recordings                                  

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                             

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's famous performers a various artists I have found online - all performing holiday tunes!     

Enjoy!

The Christmas Song: https://youtu.be/QQF0NSLhnzc  :  https://simplythreemusic.com/

Carol of the Bells (for 4 violins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNbdBAUbre4

Joy to the World:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPw-w29hX0

Silent Night : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzdov-md55c

Winter Wonderland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdIaJ0KWtA

Frosty the Snowman (string quartet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQLrv_nur3E

Please share these with the kids.

NOVEMBER Studio News

  Sunday, November 1, 2020 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  November tuition                               

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  November Schedule                              

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Nov 23 to Fri, Nov 27.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, November 6th.  Location: Zoom.  This is our dress rehearsal for the solo recital the following day. Everyday attire is fine.  "Dress rehearsal" just means we will be going over the logistics of how the recital will work.  Please have your "at home" recital location chosen and set up, and the accompaniment files ready to play with.  

Here is our schedule:

*I will send you separate information regarding location and details for the rehearsal and recital.

   November Solo Recital                      

Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 a.m. Location: ZOOM (link info below). Family and friends are invited to attend and support all of the performers!  I will send out an email invite shortly so you can share with anyone you would like to invite

All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year.

RECITAL ATTIRE:

Men/Boys - nice pants and shirt, dress shoes preferred (dark tennis shoes are fine)

Ladies/Girls - dresses (with a below the knee hemline - our "stage" is at eye level for our audience, so please plan accordingly) or dress pants and nice top, dress shoes preferred.

ARRIVAL:

Plan to log into the Zoom room by 10:15 AM.  Have your violin unpacked and tuned to A=441 (if you need help with this, please ask!)  I will set up a Zoom waiting room again.  You all will be admitted at 10:15.  Audience members will be admitted at 10:30 (after I have been able to assign all of the performers co-host status). 

Join Zoom Meeting for Fall Solo Recital:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88466245334?pwd=blNKa0FGd01WL2pBYm1aUXQ2bjRCQT09

Meeting ID: 884 6624 5334
Passcode: solo

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a monthly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html   Once you register to participate, they will send you information regarding the day and time. 

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I am pointing us back to an article I had shared a while back.  As many of you are working to graduate books and finish up those repetition charts thought I would share a few timely tidbits: "Repetition Can Be Fun" by Laura Yeh, Suzuki teacher in St. Louis, MO.  For the older kids, I particularly like the MadLibs idea.  Maybe reading these ideas will help you create an interesting plan specific to your child's preferences?!

           If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what speaks to you.    

 

    Suzuki Book Recordings                                  

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                             

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's famous performer is SooBeen Lee (see notes below).   

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

 Enjoy!

Introduction and Rondo Capriccio, Saint-Saens: https://youtu.be/18gX2pbB1mc

"Melodie", Tchaikovsky: https://youtu.be/tx31Ym8ui6Y

Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (Winter) A.Pizzolla: https://youtu.be/rG3K1FuNAIs

Piano Trio in B-flat, Schubert: https://youtu.be/53J56m_MP98

Please share these with the kids.

Violinist SooBeen Lee has been called “Korea’s hottest violin prodigy” (HanCinema). She has already appeared as soloist with every major Korean orchestra, including the Seoul and Busan Philharmonics and KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) Symphony Orchestra.

SooBeen Lee began studying the violin at the age of four. At eight years old she won the National Competition of the Korean Chamber Orchestra, she won First Prize at the Russia International Youth Violin Competition the following year, and she captured First Prize at the 2013 Moscow International David Oistrakh Violin Competition. Ms. Lee currently studies with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory, where she performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto as winner of their Concerto Competition.

OCTOBER Studio News

  Thursday, October 1, 2020 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  October tuition                               

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  October Schedule                              

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, October 16th.  Location: Bethel Baptist Church. 1111 W. Chatham Street Cary, 27511.  Looking forward to meeting in person outside a few times this year, weather permitting.  Plan B is always to meet up on Zoom again!  Here is our schedule (adjusted this year to allow for several smaller groups):

   November Solo Recital                      

Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 a.m. Location TBD. Family and friends are invited to attend and support all of the performers!
All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year.

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a  weekly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html 

Book 1

1. Every Thursday at 5:00-5:30PM PDT
2. Every Friday at 9:00-9:30AM PDT

Book 2

1. Every Thursday at 5:30PM PDT
2. Every Friday at 9:30AM PDT

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

    Studio Videos                                  

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols. 

 

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I am pointing us back to an article I had shared a while back.  A good reminder of the benefits of various practice styles: "Finding a Balance of Deliberate and Informal Practice" by Rafael Vidiera, Suzuki teacher in New Mexico.   

           If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what speaks to you.     

   
   Special Listening                           

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's famous performer is Ray Chen  (see notes below).   

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

 Enjoy!

Vitali: Chaconne: https://youtu.be/HvMYJmO5lrE

Tartini: Devil's Trill Sonata https://youtu.be/orWePX13N3M

Massenet: Meditation from 'Thais': https://youtu.be/bnzQcP7x46g

Waltzing Matilda: https://youtu.be/4c364LnyOU4

Please share these with the kids.

Ray Chen is a violinist who redefines what it is to be a classical musician in the 21st Century. With a media presence that enhances and inspires the classical audience, reaching out to millions through his unprecedented online following, Ray Chen's remarkable musicianship transmits to a global audience that is reflected in his engagements with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray was accepted to the Curtis Institute of Music at age 15, where he studied with Aaron Rosand and was supported by Young Concert Artists. He plays the 1735 “Samazeuilh” Stradivarius violin on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. This instrument was once owned by the famed American violinist, Mischa Elman (1891-1967).  

https://www.raychenviolin.com/