Category: Podcast Episodes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We are nearing the end of a trying and surprising year. In this episode, I begin to prepare for the coming new year. I invite you to join me the next few weeks as I explore useful tools for reflection and planning that will help us to come to grips with the tatters of 2020.

Fall 2020 Discount for Two Teaching Books

This is the last week for the fall2020 discount for two books: The Twinkle Project, which is described in the two videos below, and Little Things for Little Strings, by Eva Belvelin. The 25% discount is good through Monday 11/30/2020. You can purchase the books here: Teach Suzuki Shop. The discount is automatically applied at the time of 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 log and podcast may receive a small benefit (at no additional cost to you):

“Your Best Year Yet!” by Jinny Ditzler

My Life Lesson Journal:
Moleskine soft cover, smaller journal

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

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 —–

© 2020 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today I discuss a difficult teacher-parent conversation. How can we get going again when we struggle with a difficult schedule and practice period? What we need to do is simple enough, but it is also easy NOT to do. Here are some things we can do to get going again.

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 —–

© 2020 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today’s episode offers 7 quick tips to bring fun to a practice slump, from using costumes and theme days to choosing which side of the student to sit. Practice tools might include dice, hats, practice charts, and glass jars and be as simple as developing a basic practice routine. I also introduce the concept of “Uncle Bob’s Farm” as a way to expand lessons to include life skills and character development applications.

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 (Fall 2020 Discount of 25%)

You can 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.

The Twinkle Project is offering a fall 2020 sale!

Until Monday November 30, the book is 25% discounted automatically. 

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

At the end of the summer, I interviewed Dr. Shu-Yi Scott about her Release Tension Workshop for teachers. During our discussion, Shu-Yi also shared some of her many ideas about teaching lessons and group classes online, as well as workshops and special learning camp programs for rhythm, music history and appreciation, and releasing tension.

Shu-Yi is also offering training courses for teachers: cello book 1 (28 hours) and a supplementary course entitled “Strategies for teaching your beginners online and in distance environment.” (15 hours). For more information, go to: https://www.shuyicello.com/.

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 (Fall 2020 Discount of 25%)

You can 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.

The Twinkle Project is offering a fall 2020 sale!

Until Monday November 30, the book is 25% discounted automatically. 

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

I interviewed Brecklyn Ferrin (Plucky Violin Teacher blog & Suzuki Planet Podcast) about Boundaries. I was surprised by the depth of our conversation as we shared our boundary experiences in the teaching studio. This conversation will be especially helpful as we begin our studio journeys this fall.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

The Plucky Violin Teacher (blog)

Suzuki Planet (podcast)

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Join me for an interview with David Cutler about his Super Nova project, an exciting addition to Suzuki repertoire accompaniments. Our conversation sparked all sorts of ideas about designing the future and creative performance practices.

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Join me as I explain a powerful exercise in reflection. I recently completed this exercise, and I gained clarity, hope, and peace for the future.

Additional Resources

Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode. Note that some links are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase these items using the links I have provided, that I will receive a small benefit at no additional cost to you.

Future Me Letter (link to writing to your future self)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Tracy: How to Create a 5 Year Plan (short video)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What does being intentional have to do with teaching or performing? Today’s episode looks at what being intentional means, why it is important, and how to create more of it.

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Many pr0blems may result from glitches in our time management system. Today’s episode discusses a few ideas that may be helpful to steer us onto a more productive course.

How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Parents face tough decisions about school this fall 2020. In today’s episode, I interview Matthew Stephens about his company Essentials in Writing and for advice regarding homeschooling. Matthew also provided links and suggestions to find out further information about this topic in order to guide parents who are considering what decisions to make regarding their children’s school this fall 2020.

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 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.

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 help to 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 you 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 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!

—– Paula —–

© 2020 by Paula E. Bird

Join the Teach Suzuki Community!

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