A LETTER FROM AN ENTUSIASTIC, DEDICATED SUZUKI PARENT
This summer Madeline Smith and her mother Linda were fortunate to attend a Suzuki violin workshop in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The workshop was located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point, an idyllic setting located in the northern woods of the state. Students and parents from far and wide were in attendance. It was amazing to see children from such varied backgrounds and abilities coming together in an environment of total immersion in music.
There were so many activities that you needed to pace yourself or else you could easily become overwhelmed. A typical day would include several hours of instruction and lecture in the morning, followed by a lunch break, and then more instruction and lectures in the afternoon. In the evenings there were always further activities such as lectures, concerts, and talent shows. Music was everywhere, in the classroom, in the dormitory, on the playing fields, and in the concert hall. And when the kids weren’t playing music, then they were playing together and just being kids. Linda saw nothing but smiling faces.
The instructors are a dedicated and talented group. There is total buy-in to the Suzuki method of providing only positive reinforcement to the student. There is a very strong emphasis on proper technique and practice. These are the hallmarks of the Suzuki method and translates into superior students. So often Linda and Madeline would be amazed at the abilities of some of the students, and would comment that they must be musical prodigies. No doubt they have talent, but what sets them apart is how hard they work at their instrument.
Madeline came home from the workshop totally enthusiastic about her violin. She sees the importance of practice and does it quite spontaneously. According to the instructors this enthusiasm carries forward for months. Then long about February when perhaps their interest is flagging, one can remind them of an upcoming workshop the following summer, and they can start working toward that goal.
Linda attended a number of lectures on how parents should stay involved in the student’s progress. Nurturing their talent and providing a positive environment are keys to success.
Needless to say, both Madeline and Linda highly recommend attending a summer workshop. From their perspective it is the best kind of vacation, a satisfying mixture of learning and fun. The Suzuki website has plenty of information regarding locations and dates. They are located throughout the continental United States and even in Hawaii (Linda has her eye on that location already, ha ha)
Linda and Madeline especially want to thank Ms. Katie Radford. She encouraged their participation and was in attendance as well. After meeting instructors from all over the world, Madeline and Linda can vouch for the ability of Ms. Katie and her colleagues here in Sarasota. They’re the best!
Linda Smith
