233 TSP Mid-Month Review

In last week’s episode (232 TSP What Did You Expect?), I talked about how Dr. Suuki encourages self-reflection to create expectation and intention. In this episode, I talk about a mid-month review journaling strategy to celebrate achievements, adjust or drop projects, set priorities, take care of financial responsibilities, and recapture lost projects.

If you prefer reading the transcript of the episode, you can find that on the Teach Suzuki Blog.

Resources for Teachers and Parents

I mentioned several resources in the podcast that may be of further interest to listeners. Here are the links to those materials. These are affiliate links. If you use them, you have no additional fee cost to you, but the podcast may receive a small financial benefit. You are under no obligation to purchase anything. I offer these resources as helpful tools for teachers and parents.

Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin (you can read more about this book below)

The Twinkle Project by Paula E. Bird (you can learn more about this book in the short videos below)

100 Things to Do In the Summer (podcast)

100 Things to do in Summer (printable)

Teaching Resources: 2 Books

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

More About Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs. You can purchase this book here.

More About The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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 begins 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book. My student pictured in these videos is now 10 years old. She still smiles and is almost finished with book 2.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth). You can purchase the book here.

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2022 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

232 TSP What Did You Expect?

In last week’s episode (231 TSP Tweaking Your One Percent) I discussed how to tweak your one percent to make progress into a habit and different way of thinking. This episode 232 is an example of how to use Dr. Suzuki’s recommendation about journaling and self-reflection to examine our lives, beliefs, and assumptions.

If you prefer reading the transcript of the episode, you can find that here.

Resources for Teachers and Parents

I mentioned several resources in the podcast that may be of further interest to listeners. Here are the links to those materials. These are affiliate links, which means that if you use them, there is no additional financial cost to you, but the podcast may receive a small financial benefit. You are under no obligation to purchase anything. I offer these resources as helpful tools for teachers and parents.

Nurtured by Love by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

Ability Development From Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin (you can read more about this book below)

The Twinkle Project by Paula E. Bird (you can learn more about this book in the short videos below)

Episode 227: The Power of Magic Questions

Teaching Resources: 2 Books

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

More About Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs. You can purchase this book here.

More About The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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 begins 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book. My student pictured in these videos is now 10 years old. She still smiles and is almost finished with book 2.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth). You can purchase the book here.

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2022 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

231 TSP Tweaking Your One Percent

In a previous episode (230), we discussed the tool of strategy journaling to solve problems quickly to provide to continue making progress. In today’s episode, which was recorded sometime in the summer/fall of 2021, I discuss how to tweak your one percent — a fascinating way of looking at making progress into a habit and way of thinking.

Resources for Teachers and Parents

Teaching Resources: 2 Books

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

More About Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs. You can purchase this book here.

More About The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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 begins 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book. My student pictured in these videos is now 10 years old. She still smiles and is almost finished with book 2.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth). You can purchase the book here.

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2022 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

230 TSP Strategy Journaling (Deep Conversations)

In a previous episode, we discussed the power of journaling as a tool for reflection about our life, relationships, and learning journey. Today we discussed the tool of strategy journaling to solve problems quickly to provide a path to continue making progress. We also discuss a quote from Dr. Suzuki about the environment we create in the home, with our relationships, and its impact and our responsibility for how a child behaves.

If you would like to try the Strategy Journaling Questions discussed in the episode, click here.

Resources

During the episode we referred to a practice strategy tip (REPS) from a book by Daniel Coyle:

This book gives us 52 tips to improve our skills. If you use the above image link to purchase the item, you will provide a slight benefit to the podcast with no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support by using this link.

Teaching Books Resources

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs. You can purchase this book here.

What is The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth). You can purchase the book here.

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

229 TSP Deep Conversations — The Magic Listening Button

Have you pushed the Magic Listening Button and turned on your super ability to learn thoroughly and quickly? Recently Ian and I discussed at length about how we have experimented with listening techniques and strategies. We also shared some of our favorite recordings of various musical styles, including a jazz/swing rendition of the Bach double violin concerto.

Resources

During the episode, Ian and I discussed many available video recordings of musical artists in alternative musical genres. If you would like to share your listening experience with us, try out some of the following:

Humoresque – Stuff Smith

Bach Double — Reinhardt, Grappelli, Eddie South

Kreisler, Praeludium & Allegro — Eddie South

Long, Long Ago – Patti Page

Long, Long Ago — Martty Robbins

Long, Long Ago – Gordon MacRae

Hal Galper – masterclass on musical vocabulary

Hal Galper – Masterclass on Emotional Control

Django Reinhardt – Djangology

Teaching Books Resources

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs.

What is The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

228 TSP Deep Conversations (1)

Today I share one of many conversations that I have had with a wonderful young man, who performs and teaches and has recently formally joined the Suzuki teaching community. Ian Lee studied violin with me for almost a decade and currently performs professionally. We have shared our thoughts about numerous deep topics related to music, from practice strategies to more philosophical and historical topics related to articulation and performance practices.

Today we share a conversation we had that introduces Ian to the Teach Suzuki Podcast community. We talk about a 3 x 10 practice strategy and how we might apply it in our teaching and personal practice, and we explore various methods of journaling that will favorably impact our study and practice of music.

Resources

In this episode, Ian and I mentioned several tools that we find useful personally and as teachers. These links are affiliate links, which means that if you use the links and order the item, the podcast will receive a small benefit at no additional cost to you — a great way to support the podcast.

“The Inner Game of Music” by Barry Green

We discussed this wonderful book by Barry Green, former principal double bassist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and current teacher at Ohio State University. The book contains much useful information for musicians, and my particular favorite is Mr. Green’s great description of the value of a practice journal.

Here are the journal resources that Ian and I currently use:

Moleskine Weekly Planner

This book contains a weekly calendar view on the left side and a ruled page on the right side. Ian works his schedule on the calendar and writes his weekly goals on the right side.

Moleskine Classic Notebook
Kraft Ruled Notebooks, 12-pack

Ian uses the Moleskine and I like the Kraft notebooks. Ian works within the printed page. I prefer to draw lines to resemble the Cornell note-taking format, as I also do in my bullet journals.

 Teaching Book Resources

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

Eva Belvelin’s Little Things for Little Strings

This delightful book is filled with 85 pages of beautiful illustrations of songs for violin and contains over 170 accompaniment tracks, including variations of the songs. I use the material in this fabulous book in my lessons and group classes to reinforce teaching points or provide additional ways to practice a particular bowing or finger skill and have fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will enjoy this book alike and find hours of fun using the songs.

What is The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

227 TSP The Power of Magic Questions

How we think about something can yield an experience that is productive or inefficient. Let me introduce you to the art of magic questions. When we ask ourselves a magic question, we find amazing guidance in how we can practice effectively or learn and understand something on a deeper level.

Resources

In the episode, I mentioned a tool that I find useful when playing with magic questions. I discovered the a4 plain notebook by Minimalism Art. I like the wide-open spaces to create a discussion around a particular topic’s magic questions. Click on the picture for more color choices. This is an affiliate link, which means that if you use the link and order the item, the podcast will receive a small benefit at no additional cost to you — a great way to support the podcast.

 Teaching Book Resources

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

What is The Twinkle Project?

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

226 TSP Tough Going

The new year hit me a little harder than I expected, and I have found it to be a little tough going forward. This episode will explain. I recorded it a few weeks ago but have not been ready to publish it until now. With this episode, I intend to move forward and continue with my regular recording and publishing schedule.

Teaching Book Resources

The  Teach Suzuki Shop is offering two teaching book resources: The Twinkle Project and Little Things for Little Strings by Eva Belvelin, now available in the US in English. Be sure to check out both of these helpful resources for teaching and practicing. Eva’s book is filled with delightful songs to include in group class activities as well as in lessons and practicing.

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

Buy The Twinkle Project

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

225 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet (part 2)

Welcome 2021! Set goals by reflecting on the past year using the protocol set out in Jinny Ditzler’s book, Your Best Year Yet! Today’s part 2 episode looks at the remaining six questions. Join me and uncover the lessons you can take away from your past year.

New Year Discount for Two Teaching Books

To celebrate the new year 2021, Teach Suzuki Publications is offering a special discount for two teaching books: The Twinkle Project, which is described in the two videos below, and Little Things for Little Strings, by Eva Belvelin. The 20% discount is good through Sunday 02/07/2021. You can purchase the books here: Teach Suzuki Shop. The discount (END2020) is automatically applied at the time of the shopping checkout.

Other Helpful Resources

Here are some other helpful resources mentioned in the episode. Some of these items may be associate links, which means that if you use these links to purchase, the blog and podcast may receive a small benefit (at no additional cost to you):

“Your Best Year Yet!” by Jinny Ditzler

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

The Bullet Journal Method (youtube video)

Bullet Journal website

“The Success Principles” by JJack Canfield

“The Artist’s Way Every Day” by Julia Cameron

Teach Suzuki Blog

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

Buy The Twinkle Project

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.

224 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet! (part 1)

Goodbye, 2020! At the start of a new year, I find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on my past year using the protocol set out in Jinny Ditzler’s book, Your Best Year Yet! Today’s episode is part 1 of 2 and visits the first four questions. I share my past year and encourage you to uncover the lessons you can take away from your own past year.

New Year Discount for Two Teaching Books

To celebrate the new year 2021, Teach Suzuki Publications is offering a special discount for two teaching books: The Twinkle Project, which is described in the two videos below, and Little Things for Little Strings, by Eva Belvelin. The 20% discount is good through Sunday 1/31/2021. You can purchase the books here: Teach Suzuki Shop. The discount (END2020) is automatically applied at the time of the shopping checkout.

Other Helpful Resources

Here are some other helpful resources mentioned in the episode. Some of these items may be associate links, which means that if you use these links to purchase, the blog and podcast may receive a small benefit (at no additional cost to you):

“Your Best Year Yet!” by Jinny Ditzler

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

Episode 217 Look to the Future (how to write a letter to/from the future)

Interview with Eva Belvelin, author of “Little Things for Little Strings”

Interview with Brecklyn Ferrin about Boundaries (Podcast episode)

Benefits of Nasal Breathing (video)

Teach Suzuki Blog

How about buying me a cup of coffee?

If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement for the podcast, why not make a small donation (e.g., the price of a cup of coffee) to my Venmo or PayPal accounts? I am so grateful to those listeners who have regularly encouraged me by making donations on occasion.

Buy The Twinkle Project

You can support the blog and podcast by purchasing The Twinkle Project, 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.

The following video explains why I wrote this book.

This video discusses what the book is about.

Episode 54, The Twinkle Project (this podcast episode examines the book in more depth)

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 support it by leaving a rating and review. Here is how to review the podcast:

  1. Launch Apple’s Podcast app.
  2. Tap the “search” tab, enter “Teach Suzuki,” tap the blue Search button, and you will pull up the podcast.
  3. Tap on the album art for the podcast.
  4. Scroll down to the “write a review” link, and leave a rating and a review.
  5. That is how easy it is!

If you have questions or answers or would like to comment or send me an email, you may do so at paula@teachsuzuki.com. I welcome comments and questions about this episode and am interested to hear other parents’ and teachers’ perspectives.

You may find more information and useful articles on my blog at Teach Suzuki Blog.

Until next time,

Happy Practicing!

—– Paula —–

© 2021 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

If you would like to donate to support the Teach Suzuki Podcast and the blog, click here to donate.