“The fate of a child is in the hands of his parents.,” Dr. Suzuki said. This statement has a strong meaning. This episode is part of the “Reflections” series of podcast episodes, which are short, minutes long reflections about a quote or other thought from Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy or writing. The purpose of these … Continue reading "Reflections — Parents Live Up to Responsibility"

New students provide the best opportunity to build strong Suzuki Parent-Teacher-Student triangle relationships. How does a teacher do that? Today’s episode looks at possible teaching and parenting strategies that might encourage one mother and student toward success. Here are some helpful podcast episodes that I suggest to parents of beginning students: The New Parent (Where … Continue reading "080 TSP Parent Chronicles — Sunny Mother & Powerful Child"

Dr. Suzuki advised parents to seek the truth and become clear about who their children were and the parents’ power to impace and influence their children’s personalities and learning. This episode is part of the “Reflections” series of podcast episodes, which are short, minutes long reflections about a quote or other thought from Dr. Shinichi … Continue reading "Reflections — How to Wither Talent"

One of the main features of the Suzuki Method to Ability Development and Talent Education is the ability to learn to play music by ear. How does a student learn to do that? How can a teacher or parent help a student to learn and practice this skill until it becomes an ability? Today’s episode … Continue reading "079 TSP Playing By Ear"

What happens when parents believe that talent is something that reveals itself? Parents may give up on their children when things get a bit more difficult. This reflection looks at the importance of parents’ believing that talent is not inborn so that parents will do the necessary work to nurture their children’s seeds of possibility. … Continue reading "Reflections — Don’t Give Up!"

Musicians often experience pain in discomfort when playing or studying their instrument. Students often share these same painful experiences. How can parents and teachers help young students avoid painful issues? This episode discusses this question and relates many personal stories of pain and discomfort in an effort to bring awareness of the large scope of … Continue reading "078 TSP It Pains Me to Say This"

“Any child has the sprout of possibility to grow,” Dr. Suzuki said. What does this mean for a parent? Is it important that a parent believe that talent is something that can be developed? This reflection answers these question and encourages parents to avoid the easy route of waiting for talent to reveal itself with … Continue reading "Reflections — The Sprout of Possibility"

Rhythm is all around us and can be the bridge or connection between people. How can we incorporate it in our lessons, group classes, and practices? I mentioned a few resources in the podcast episode. If you are interested in any of these resources, please consider using the links I have provided here. You are … Continue reading "077 TSP Rhythm (& a 1 & a 2 . . .)"

When we look at a child, we can only see the child’s potential. We cannot see the child’s talent. That has not yet been created or developed. This episode examines Dr. Suzuki’s quote that “[O]ne cannot look at a small child and randomly choose what he does well and what he does poorly.” This episode … Continue reading "Reflections — The Potential Ability of a Child"

This podcast episode looks at the issue of siblings in the studio and whether siblings should be invited into the studio and group class situation. Siblings provide teachers, parents, and students with learning opportunities that can enrich a lesson or group class as well as benefit the sibling’s development. I mentioned a few resources in … Continue reading "076 TSP Siblings in the Studio"