Dear Suzuki Strings of Madison families,
Hoping you are enjoying your summer and perhaps tuning into the 2024 Olympics . I thought it would be fun to share some thoughts on striving for excellence in practice just like our Olympic athletes do as well as providing structure in practice by sharing practice ideas based on Olympic sports.
To be an Olympian requires daily practice, a support team and a goal: be it a perfect vault, accurate target, or breaking a time record in your discipline.
For Suzuki violinists we have the opportunity for daily practice, a great support team of teacher/coach and parent/ caregiver for our string athlete.
Now comes the time to set the goal . Let’s say the goal is to learn and polish the next piece in your student’s Suzuki volume or literature beyond . Starting with the basics: investigate these essential 4 musical super powers to help your string athlete excel . First chart below.
Example: working on a spot for rhythmic accuracy, use the Olympic metaphor : did you podium, and if so, which medal did you attain : a bronze, silver or gold medal of excellence ? Mindful repetition with the goal of improving specifics can move you up the podium . If there is some remedial work to be done, then you have not yet reached podium level . Developing this language of discernment of “ am I on the podium yet “ helps to assess musical attempts . Strive not to omit expressive playing in any of your attempts. Don’t forget you are making MUSIC !
Another example – pitch accuracy: did you get your fingered pitch D to ring ? Perhaps focus and target practice on that one note ! Can you successfully perform that pitch alone, with the note before it , with the note before and after it, in the measure , in the phrase??? Grow your Olympian strong by appreciating the process of consistency and accuracy and their progress will become swift and dependable. Consider what joy it is to stick a landing after a gymnastic vault is the same as landing the C sharp ( high 2) in tune !
This next pie chart provides specifics – the String Olympian’s refinements to each of the basic superpowers above. Returning to rhythm: is your tempo steady ( utilize your magic metronome ) this will help in evening out rough patches and provide the musical flow to achieve your gold medal standard, whether its the first line of Lightly Row or the Bach a minor concerto. Are you clear on your articulation? Are the notes being asked to speak smoothly or with a stop bow ? Have you decided on a musical character: sparkling and sprightly or perhaps a somber mood ?? Being a String student Olympian requires asking questions to help you enjoy your practice thereby creating technical and musical improvements .
Wishing you many podium moments in this season of the Olympics. Good luck to all of our SSM String Olympians .
with a twinkling spirit,
diana
