How do I get my child to practice?

I frequently hear this from parents:

“My child won’t practice"

“Practicing is a daily struggle”

“I think my child should quit music lessons because he/she just won’t practice!”

Parents - I hear you. I understand and feel your frustrations. I have promised to partner with you to create a positive musical journey for all of us. So, let’s get through this bump together.

Although, all circumstances vary between families, here are some possible solutions and/or tips. (Note: I make the assumption that the student is roughly between the ages of 4 - 10)

1. Children, especially very young children, don’t know how to practice yet. Although, “how to practice” is a part of my teaching method, children still need guidance to make practicing a part of their “play time” or a part of their “daily schedule”.

2. Make practicing part of their daily routine. Dr. Suzuki, the founder of the Suzuki Violin Pedagogy Method said, “You must practice every day that you eat!”

3. Sit down with your child when it’s time to practice. Tell them, “I want to be the student and you can be the teacher!”. You’ll get some giggles, but you’ll discover that they know EXACTLY what to do.

4. Don’t worry too much about counting the practice time minutes. If the assignment is accomplished well within 12 minutes, then I’d call that a success! If you can repeat that 12 minutes later in the day, then you have a double success!

5. Come to the lesson. Take notes during the lesson.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Become a PRACTICE PARTNER with your little musician. Your child LOVES to spend time with you, so make music a daily part of your special time with the child who-turned-your-life-upside-down-when-they-were-born (in a good way). =)

Lastly, here’s a short youtube clip about Effectively practicing - not only with music but with other disciplines that also require “practice time”.

Cheers to happier music making!

(Evamarie is a violin teacher and piano teacher based in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York. She currently has an “almost 4 year old son” who will only walk long distances if Evamarie can distract him by telling him to identify the makes of each motor vehicle on the street. It takes roughly 25 minutes to get to the subway when it should only take 10 minutes.)

Graduation 2019

Little Lance

Throwing it back 17 years ago, this not-so-little-boy-anymore is now graduating from his University studies! At five years old he was my very first violin student. He certainly holds a very special place in my heart and I’m so proud of his accomplishments.

Initially, the reason I entered music performance and education as a career was my love for music and that I knew I was capable of achieving this goal. But I learned quickly that I had created special bonds with my students during, and after their formal violin lessons were finished. I am amazed with how music has helped to shape their lives.

Let me share some unsolicited advice to the class of 2019.

1. HONOR and LOVE your Parents. They aren’t perfect but they do the best for you in the way they know how.

2. You ARE NOT entitled to anything - work hard for what you want.

3. When life gets tough, push through.

4. When someone breaks your heart, you can only cry for one day - the next morning, put on your best smile and MOVE ON.

5. Be FIRM, but KIND. Be HONEST and maintain your INTEGRITY.

6. SING when you’re Happy. SING when you’re Sad.

7. Keep your eyes focused on GOD. When you think you can’t make it, HIS grace is sufficient.

HATS OFF to the Class of 2019!

Cheers to a GLORIOUS end of this chapter and the beginning of a NEW adventure!

LIFE AWAITS!!!!

Teaching Violin in Japan

March is currently hosting the beautiful Sakura Season in Japan!!! The Cherry Blossoms are blooming all over Japan and picnic-ing (“Hanami”) under the blossomed trees becomes an exciting weekend happening that you would prepare for and look forward to months beforehand. If you are planning a trip to Japan, Sakura Season is THE time to go!

Oh, how I miss our days in Japan. We lived in Tokyo, Japan for 1.5 years in 2017 - 2018. I enjoyed riding my “Mamachari” bike through the city streets, and the street festivals full of food and entertainment. Food in Japan is DELICIOUS! I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal eating out. Although It was such a short time, I have developed a respect and a fascination with the Japanese Culture and their way of life. I realized that the Japanese value system is cultivated and taught to their children from birth. At very young ages, the children are taught how to behave in various environments, to be independent, to be tidy, to have a deep respect for their surroundings and their parents, teachers, and elders, etc. There are no “Janitors” in schools as the students clean their classroom floors, and even serve lunches to their peers. I’m sure we’ve all see the video about Japanese kindergarteners taking the trains to get to school all by themselves - its real!!!

You may say, “Yes, I also teach that to my child.”

But I can tell you, that from experience, the Japanese people have taken it to the next level up. I still can’t figure out how they do it! During “Bring your child to work day”, my husband brought our son and I to his work floor in Roppongi. All the Japanese kids were quietly looking and walking around - you’d never guess they were there! Then you hear a “WHEEEEEEEE!”- Oh! That’s the American kid. HA! Now, I’m not saying that the energy of my child is not a good thing (or a bad thing). I just admire how the Japanese raise their children to be outstanding citizens.

At this time, I was teaching music in an international preschool/kindergarten and giving Violin lessons in my home. Since I am a certified Suzuki Teacher, I found myself fortunate enough to be living in the country of Shinichi Suzuki, the man who founded the “Suzuki Method” for teaching music. I began to recognize the parallels of his music philosophy - that talent is not inborn but cultivated through ones environment and efforts - with that of his Japanese Culture.

One of the main points of his music philosophy that stand out the most to me is, in my own words, “Do not teach the child how to play the violin. Teach him how to play with a beautiful soul.”

Like Mr. Suzuki, I aim to teach my students to be “good citizens” - to have “endurance, discipline, and sensitivity to their surroundings.” He often says, “Foster the heart, then acquire the ability.” The Japanese people are humble and grateful people - grateful to nature, their environment, and to each other. This mindset carries into music: be humble and grateful for all the gifts that music can bring to your life.

I don’t live in Japan anymore but I do find myself doing, dare I say, “Japanese habits” - like slightly bowing when giving thanks. My now 3 year old son still automatically takes off his shoes and puts them the closet when he comes home - I can’t complain.