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When we begin a journey or project, are we prepared? And even if we are prepared for the journey as we imagine it will be, will we be prepared for anything else that might come our way? How do we prepare ourselves for the journey of complete possibility? Today’s episode will look at the concepts of a “10 Feet Focus” and “the Preparation Road,” and I will relate several stories of how these concepts arose and how they can be used.
Monthly Focus: Preparation
The month’s focus is Preparation. March is an interesting month in that it builds the connecting bridge between the edge of winter and the start of spring. While we finish one season, we begin to prepare for the next seasons to come.
WEEKLY MISSION: Preparation for what?
Begin this first week of the month by considering what you need to prepare for. Do you have upcoming recitals, juries, summer institute applications, or auditions? Look around your life and notice what things you will need to begin planning for now. What do you need to get ready? What do you need to start doing now?
This week, make a list of projects or events that you need to think about and prepare for now in March. Scan your family and studio calendars and make a master list of these projects and events. Next week, I will add to the weekly mission to prepare to accomplish these projects and events.
Let me know what you discover. You may comment below or send me an email. If you have any ideas about future podcast episodes, including monthly focus or themes or weekly missions, I welcome all of it!
What I am Reading
I have slacked on my reading, although I have done well on my audio books. I have hadf several important things happen, and I have not made the time I need to actually sit down and read. I am still working on these books:
I am almost finished with this book (really, just two more sessions left!), and I plan to spend time offering a review of the many helpful suggestions that Dr. Cohen gives to help us connect with students when there is a problem. Teachers and parents will find this book very helpful.
I am a big fan of Audible. I have used this service for years and I enjoy the process of deciding which books will be worthy of my time and attention. If you are interested in this service, click here for a free book:
I just finished listening to these books:
Calamity by Brandon Sanderson: I enjoy science fiction, and this is book 3 in the Reckoners Series. I especially enjoy the main character’s creative delight in crafting extremely ridiculous metaphors.
Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely: this was an Audible original. Audible provides its members with opportunities to listen to more concise books or audio productions as part of the membership.
How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast
Contact Me
I really enjoy hearing from my readers and listeners. If you have a question, a comment, a suggestion, or an idea for future articles and podcast episodes, please consider contacting me. You can find me by email (paula@teachsuzuki,com) or find me on Facebook (Teach Suzuki).
Leave a Review
Many listeners ask how they can support the podcast. If you are a fan of the podcast, you can help to support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:
- Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
- Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
- Tap on the album art for the podcast.
- Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
- That is how easy it is!
Buy The Twinkle Project
You can also support the blog and podcast by making a purchase of The Twinkle Project, which is my book to help teachers and parents of young violin beginners. This book takes teachers and parents through all of the steps to teach a complete violin beginner all the way through the “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” variations and begin the next steps to learn “Lightly Row.” Included in the book are many forms and checklists to guide teachers and parents through the progression of steps to learn this important initial stage to play the violin.
Episode 54, The Twinkle Project
If you have questions or answers or you would like to comment or leave me a voice mail, you can do so at (512) 537-6356. If you would like to send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested in hearing about the perspective of other parents and teachers.
You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at: Teach Suzuki Blog.
Until next time,
Happy Practicing! Watch how you practice, and practice accurately!
—– Paula —–
© 2019 by Paula E. Bird
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