by Elise | Dec 12, 2020 | Blog
Communication involves the ability to build relationships and motivate students to the highest levels of achievement. This goes well beyond teaching violin, and requires the teacher to learn how to be a mentor and guide. The video shows how teachers can build trust...
by Elise | Jun 15, 2020 | Blog
Why Use Bowing Patterns with Beginners? About four years ago I had the realization that my advanced students sounded better on Book 1 not because they’d practiced their Book 1 songs more, but because they had more technique. I know. Obvious. BUT. I wondered....
by Elise | Apr 25, 2017 | Blog
While some students seem to do things perfectly almost the first time, other students tend to be awkward and clumsy. They’re not quite aware of where their feet or their body are; they trip easily and may bump into other people without realizing it. Their...
by Elise | Nov 16, 2016 | Blog
While for years I’ve stood by the Suzuki philosophy that “every child has talent,” this past week a conversation with a friend, a well-known practice coach from Los Angeles, showed me a gap in my thinking. The gap is tiny, but through it you can see the...
by Elise | Oct 10, 2016 | Blog
Although I teach my beginning students how to flex and re-curve their bow-hand pinky even before they begin on the violin, about a month ago I noticed that 6-year-old Rose, who is midway through Book 1, no longer had a beautifully flexible bowhold as she played....
