I haven't posted a blog since the end of our 28 day practice project, but I wanted to take a minute here at the end of my first semester as a full-time teacher to say thank you.
I am so grateful to everyone who has read and commented on my blog and to all the people who have found something here to help their violin playing. I promise that in 2014 I will be back with blogs on a more regular basis!
I am so grateful to everyone who has read and commented on my blog and to all the people who have found something here to help their violin playing. I promise that in 2014 I will be back with blogs on a more regular basis!
This past weekend was my first studio recital for my small home studio. For various reasons, I've chosen to shift the bulk of my teaching to my studio at Potomac Arts Academy, but I am keeping a very small studio at my home in Arlington. My three students performed in my living room this past Sunday, and I have to say that I was simply amazed at the difference that a few months can make. They all completed my 28 Day Practice Project, and I saw improvement by leaps and bounds. Consistent, focused practice results in transformation. I was impressed by improved intonation, tone, and bow usage. I was also simply floored by their determination and devotion to learning music.
In order for us to rehearse with our pianist, I had to move studio class to Saturday night, for a Sunday recital. We normally have studio class Saturday mornings. I chose to turn that studio class into an optional open studio, so students and parents wouldn't have to come twice in one day. They all turned up at my door at the usual time Saturday morning, ready to rehearse and work and improve. And then they came again that night, still ready to work. I was and still am amazed and grateful that such wonderful, dedicated students have come into my life. (Mind you - you all still need to practice your scales and keep those bow pinkies curved...you know who you are! ;-) )
This coming Saturday, I'm going to be in the audience watching two of my students from Potomac Arts Academy perform solos for the first time. They've made some amazing progress this semester as well, and I can't wait to hear their performances.
It is always a leap of faith to start something new, whether it is learning the violin for the first time, starting lessons with a new violin teacher, or picking up the violin again after years away. I am amazed and humbled by all of your trust in me, and by your willingness to open yourselves up to new experiences. It is my profound hope that I can be the violin teacher my students need me to be, and I know that I as a teacher am still learning my craft - and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
I find myself filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for my wonderful students and their wonderfully supportive parents who get them to lessons on time, ensure that their violins are in good repair, and help them practice at home.
Thank you.
In order for us to rehearse with our pianist, I had to move studio class to Saturday night, for a Sunday recital. We normally have studio class Saturday mornings. I chose to turn that studio class into an optional open studio, so students and parents wouldn't have to come twice in one day. They all turned up at my door at the usual time Saturday morning, ready to rehearse and work and improve. And then they came again that night, still ready to work. I was and still am amazed and grateful that such wonderful, dedicated students have come into my life. (Mind you - you all still need to practice your scales and keep those bow pinkies curved...you know who you are! ;-) )
This coming Saturday, I'm going to be in the audience watching two of my students from Potomac Arts Academy perform solos for the first time. They've made some amazing progress this semester as well, and I can't wait to hear their performances.
It is always a leap of faith to start something new, whether it is learning the violin for the first time, starting lessons with a new violin teacher, or picking up the violin again after years away. I am amazed and humbled by all of your trust in me, and by your willingness to open yourselves up to new experiences. It is my profound hope that I can be the violin teacher my students need me to be, and I know that I as a teacher am still learning my craft - and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
I find myself filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for my wonderful students and their wonderfully supportive parents who get them to lessons on time, ensure that their violins are in good repair, and help them practice at home.
Thank you.
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