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The Importance of Listening (1998)
Listening to music, including the Suzuki repertoire, is the most important part of being a Suzuki student. Children begin to learn their Mother Tongue by hearing it from birth, So should they as they learn the language of music.
It was wonderful to witness a mistake made by my daughter’s teacher in her last lesson. After announcing the piece that they would play together, the teacher began to play another piece, one that was four pieces beyond what my daughter had learned. I wasn’t sure what was going on but did my motherly duty and sat quietly. As the two of them played together and neared the end of the song, the teacher realized what had happened, turned a brilliant colour of red and burst out laughing. It’s a happy time for teacher, parent and student when this sort of mistake can happen. And to realize that all children can learn so much just by listening.
The string department is beginning its year with a Review Marathon. All string students are reviewing all of their pieces. This is essential for developing technically and musically, as well as preparing for your Oct. 17 play-in.
As a teacher of mostly younger students, I have to let the older ones know what heroes your are to the youngsters. It will be wonderful to hear the early repertoire played with the maturity of a book five student!
So until then, enjoy your marathons and we’ll all meet at Dr. Suzuki’s 100th birthday party.
Judy Olmstead-O’Regan