When my young students start learning to read music it usually becomes their favourite part of the lesson. Initially they learn rhythm reading using animal names like “dog” and “birdie” from the wonderful book “The Rhythm Train” by Dana DeKalb. The children LOVE using this book so much that we use it as a fun break activity during lessons. Each rhythmic unit has a character name and a cute picture…
One of the recent additions on my website has been to enable students to buy one-off video-upload credits. This means that my students can send me a video of their playing using a secure upload link. I watch their playing and send them feedback.
Having these uploads as one-offs makes it very flexible…
Lockdown provides unusual conditions for music lessons! What unusual times we live in! Having almost the whole world in lockdown certainly creates unique challenges for music teachers, and unique opportunities… many people have more time for practice than they usually...
Registrations are now open for the Suzuki summercamp in Timaru in January 2020 (only 3 months away!). There are also two other summer camps running in the North Island (see here http://suzuki.org.nz/calendar/). I have taken my children to the annual Timaru summer camp for the past few years and they consider it to be a highlight of the summer calendar. We’ll be going again this year and I hope to see some of you there. Earlybird discount closes in a few days (28 Oct) but registrations are open until 17 Nov.
Reading this book I realised why it is so hard to get a child to practice their instrument if it is just an “at home” thing and (from the child’s point of view) not relevant to life outside. There are many advantages to your child seeing relevance to their music playing. From their point of view, they are more likely to enjoy it and feel motivated and I’m sure this will give you great pleasure to see. Also, from a practical point of view, practice sessions will be easier!