Yea! I graduated from Book 2 today! Played half the Book 2 pieces for a graduation recital and played pretty well. A person can always play better though. That's a maddening thing about music, you can always get better.
Heading home tomorrow! I've missed my family very much and my new little puppy Cheyenne too! I wonder how big she is by now? Will see you at lessons next week if you are in town. If you are not and haven't told me, please let me know asap. Thanks!
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Almost Finished!
Today is the second to the last day of Book 2 classes and observations. Still have to practice tonight so I can play 1/2 of Book 2's songs at a graduation recital tomorrow. Sat out on Starbucks terrace for awhile to relax again. Going to a concert tonight to listen to a professional string quartet. No new pictures today. Hope everyone is doing great!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Top of the Mountain
Yesterday, I rode the chairlift to the top of Beaver Creek Mountain. The weather was perfect: clear, cool, sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky. The visibility at the top seemed limitless and the views were breathtakingly beautiful. In some of the pictures, you can see that the tallest peaks are still covered with snow. Some of the locals think that the highest snow probably won't even melt this summer.
Another person I talked to said that there are 58 mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet in Colorado, and he belongs to a club that tries to climb all these high peaks. He said that he had climbed 26 of these giants so far. Colorado life sounds rugged and fun!
I continue taking Book 2 classes and observing many, many children's lessons. We are currently going over a piece called Arietta that some of you will play soon.
Tonight I went to a concert with teenage students and professionals playing chamber music. I listened to a Mozart string quartet, a Mendelsson piano trio, and a glorious Janacek quartet. Going to concerts is one of my favorite things.
Scroll all the way down to see some pictures from the summit of Beaver Creek Mountain.
Another person I talked to said that there are 58 mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet in Colorado, and he belongs to a club that tries to climb all these high peaks. He said that he had climbed 26 of these giants so far. Colorado life sounds rugged and fun!
I continue taking Book 2 classes and observing many, many children's lessons. We are currently going over a piece called Arietta that some of you will play soon.
Tonight I went to a concert with teenage students and professionals playing chamber music. I listened to a Mozart string quartet, a Mendelsson piano trio, and a glorious Janacek quartet. Going to concerts is one of my favorite things.
Scroll all the way down to see some pictures from the summit of Beaver Creek Mountain.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Started Book 2
We started Book 2 today. Went through Eccossaise and A Short Story in Detail. We also observed my teacher teach one of her own students. This gave us a chance to hear what one of her students sounds like at the beginning of Book 2 and to observe the relationship she has formed with her student and his dad. All the other students I've seen her teach are from all over the country and are not her students. You can't see how she develops a student's piano playing or how she relates to students long-term when she only teaches the students for a week here, so I'm so glad we have the opportunity to see her teach one of her own students whom she knows really well and who knows her well too.
I'll have to practice my own piano playing more this week than last. We always have to play all the pieces in whatever book we're studying in order to graduate and pass each Book as a Suzuki teacher. Last week, I knew all of the Book 1 pieces, because I've been teaching them for two years. I haven't taught Book 2 pieces to anyone except my daughter, so I don't know these pieces as well. I practiced them for an hour tonight and found them rather delightful. I think all of you will really like the songs in Book 2!
I'll include a few more pictures from my hike yesterday.
I'll have to practice my own piano playing more this week than last. We always have to play all the pieces in whatever book we're studying in order to graduate and pass each Book as a Suzuki teacher. Last week, I knew all of the Book 1 pieces, because I've been teaching them for two years. I haven't taught Book 2 pieces to anyone except my daughter, so I don't know these pieces as well. I practiced them for an hour tonight and found them rather delightful. I think all of you will really like the songs in Book 2!
I'll include a few more pictures from my hike yesterday.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Graduated from Book 1 Today!
Well, it's been a long two year process, but I finally am officially certified by the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) to teach Book 1. Don't worry - I have taken Book 1 before, but it didn't count at that time. Just so everyone knows. The first course every person who wants to teach Suzuki is "Every Child Can." Once you have taken that course, then you have to submit a DVD of yourself playing a Beethoven Sonata and a Bach Prelude. Once you send the DVD to SAA, then the SAA has to approve your DVD and give you a pass. It took me about a year to work up those two pieces and for the SAA to approve my DVD. Then, when you take Book 1, it actually counts. So, I have now passed my DVD and taken and passed Every Child Can, and Book 1.
Starting tomorrow, I will be taking Book 2. This is a very important step for me as a developing Suzuki piano teacher because so many of you will graduate from Book 1 this fall. When you do, I will be prepared to teach you well. Next summer, I will take Book 3 and maybe 4 too. In this way, I will continue to grow and develop as your children do. There are 7 Suzuki piano books in all.
After my last Book 1 class, I went on a 2 hour long hike. I went on what's called the Village Loop. You hike up perhaps 1/4 of the mountain and hike all around the village. I was above it looking down and seeing many beautiful views. Took lots of pictures of flowers and trees on my hike too. Maybe some of you can let me know the names of some of the flowers. Scroll all the way down this blog past all of the written entries into the section with a brown background to see all the photos.
That's it for now!
Starting tomorrow, I will be taking Book 2. This is a very important step for me as a developing Suzuki piano teacher because so many of you will graduate from Book 1 this fall. When you do, I will be prepared to teach you well. Next summer, I will take Book 3 and maybe 4 too. In this way, I will continue to grow and develop as your children do. There are 7 Suzuki piano books in all.
After my last Book 1 class, I went on a 2 hour long hike. I went on what's called the Village Loop. You hike up perhaps 1/4 of the mountain and hike all around the village. I was above it looking down and seeing many beautiful views. Took lots of pictures of flowers and trees on my hike too. Maybe some of you can let me know the names of some of the flowers. Scroll all the way down this blog past all of the written entries into the section with a brown background to see all the photos.
That's it for now!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
2nd to Last Day of Book 1
I took the morning off because I had already completed my 15 hours of observing master Suzuki piano teachers teach the kids attending the Colorado Suzuki Institute. I observed one more hour this afternoon and completed 2 more hours of class. We are almost finished with going through each piece in Book 1 in class. Today, we talked in detail about Christmast Day Secrets and a little about Musette. We also gave some mock lessons according to scenarios given to us by our teacher.
This morning I hung out at an outside terrace table drinking Starbucks coffee. Read a couple of magazines and watched the people walk by too. I saw some kids climbing the rock climbing wall that is always here and do some bunjy jumping on trampolines. I could also see some families playing miniature golf and take the chairlift up the mountain, which I plan to do tomorrow after our last Book 1 class. All this from the terrace at Starbucks. I think I'll do this another day.
The sky continues to be blue and clear although yesterday I did get caught in the rain. I brought a heavier raincoat and wondered whether I would actually ever use it. I did and without it would have gotten pretty wet. Tomorrow it's supposed to be clear, cool weather again.
I miss my family terribly and my new little puppy Cheyenne too. I hope all of you are doing well in Houston! Scroll down to see some pics.
This morning I hung out at an outside terrace table drinking Starbucks coffee. Read a couple of magazines and watched the people walk by too. I saw some kids climbing the rock climbing wall that is always here and do some bunjy jumping on trampolines. I could also see some families playing miniature golf and take the chairlift up the mountain, which I plan to do tomorrow after our last Book 1 class. All this from the terrace at Starbucks. I think I'll do this another day.
The sky continues to be blue and clear although yesterday I did get caught in the rain. I brought a heavier raincoat and wondered whether I would actually ever use it. I did and without it would have gotten pretty wet. Tomorrow it's supposed to be clear, cool weather again.
I miss my family terribly and my new little puppy Cheyenne too. I hope all of you are doing well in Houston! Scroll down to see some pics.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Over 8,000 Feet
I found out a little today about altitude sickness. It can bring on a really bad headache. We've been told to drink water constantly and it really does help. I think the last time I spent a number of days at over 8,000 feet was at my honeymoon 19 years ago.
Otherwise, I am enjoying Beaver Creek very much! It has been in the 60's and 70's each day with blue, clear skies. I think it gets down into the 50's at night. Opening the windows and letting the cool, fresh air into my suite has been awesome.
Have attended 19 hours of class and 11 hours of observing lessons by the end of today. Saw a couple of very interesting lectures. One was about how to beat the practicing blues. I will type up the suggestions I heard and give copies of the list to all my students' families when I return home. Also, learning more about how to run the business side of a private lesson business better.
Not adding any photos tonight to this blog. I plan to take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain in the next couple of days and will take more pictures then. Take care.
Otherwise, I am enjoying Beaver Creek very much! It has been in the 60's and 70's each day with blue, clear skies. I think it gets down into the 50's at night. Opening the windows and letting the cool, fresh air into my suite has been awesome.
Have attended 19 hours of class and 11 hours of observing lessons by the end of today. Saw a couple of very interesting lectures. One was about how to beat the practicing blues. I will type up the suggestions I heard and give copies of the list to all my students' families when I return home. Also, learning more about how to run the business side of a private lesson business better.
Not adding any photos tonight to this blog. I plan to take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain in the next couple of days and will take more pictures then. Take care.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Working hard in Colorado.
I feel like I've been working pretty hard by now. I've attended about 16 hours of class and observed 7 hours of lessons. Learning a lot! Need a nap!
We keep learning about the songs in Book 1 in class. Today we reveiwed Cuckoo and Lightly Row, and we discussed how to teach London Bridge, Mary Had A Little Lamb, French Children's Song, and Go Tell Aunt Rhody. As teachers who are students, we takes lots of notes both in our notebooks and on the music. We also play the piano constantly to actually try out and master what we just took notes on. After 2 or 3 songs, my brain gets very tired. Now I have experienced recently how my own students (you guys) must feel sometimes. Used to feel this way in college, but not lately.
I have a little kitchen in my 1 bedroom. Have been trying to save money by cooking at my place. Been trying to eat healthy. Making lots of delicious smoothies, baked sweet potatoes, tuna sandwiches, and other easy cooking stuff.
Wish you were here with me. Be sure to check out tonight's pictures!
We keep learning about the songs in Book 1 in class. Today we reveiwed Cuckoo and Lightly Row, and we discussed how to teach London Bridge, Mary Had A Little Lamb, French Children's Song, and Go Tell Aunt Rhody. As teachers who are students, we takes lots of notes both in our notebooks and on the music. We also play the piano constantly to actually try out and master what we just took notes on. After 2 or 3 songs, my brain gets very tired. Now I have experienced recently how my own students (you guys) must feel sometimes. Used to feel this way in college, but not lately.
I have a little kitchen in my 1 bedroom. Have been trying to save money by cooking at my place. Been trying to eat healthy. Making lots of delicious smoothies, baked sweet potatoes, tuna sandwiches, and other easy cooking stuff.
Wish you were here with me. Be sure to check out tonight's pictures!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
First Day to Observe Kids' Lessons
From Tuesday, today, through Saturday, my days will be filled with observing fantastic, experienced Suzuki piano teachers giving lessons to wonderful, highly motivated kids in Books 1 and 2. Some of these teachers have been teaching Suzuki piano for 20 years and even 30 years. I am learning so much.
The schedule each day includes 3 fifty minute classes for the kids with 25 minute breaks in between in the mornings, a 1 hour and 40 minute lunch, and 3 fifty minute classes with the same breaks in the afternoon. Each class has 4-6 students who are in the same Suzuki book. During the class, the teacher spends roughly 12 minutes with each student.
The students have the same classes and the same teachers each day. The kids' schedule includes Master classes during which each student works with the teacher on a recital piece to be played for all in the class at the end of the week and on a working piece, basically a piece in progress. Another class they have is Piano Ensemble. At the beginning levels, the students prepare both parts of 2 duets to play with other students in the class. Another class includes an opportunity for the kids to play with a small chamber orchestra. There are also classes that include movement to rhythm, music theory, and learning to read music.
By the end of the week, the students in each class really get to know one another. Some students and families come for several years to become better players yes, but also to see the friends they met and played with last year or for the last several years. The teachers keep coming back too not only to become better players and teachers, but also to see other Suzuki teacher friends.
At 4:45pm on Tuesday and on Wednesday, there is a special honors recital. A student can send in a DVD of themselves playing a Suzuki piece by early spring. The best kids' DVD performances are reviewed and certain kids are chosen to play in the recitals. These recitals are in the beautiful Vilar Performing Arts Center that I mentioned in an earlier blog, a fabulous place to perform. There are students of all ages and levels in these recitals. The youngest one I saw was 7 and the oldest was 15. Also, kids who play violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano play in these recitals, so with all the different instruments, the recitals are very interesting to watch. I saw my first one earlier this afternoon. I really enjoyed it and was totally impressed with their playing
Be sure to check out more pictures of Beaver Creek. Scroll all the way down :) See you on tomorrow's blog.
The schedule each day includes 3 fifty minute classes for the kids with 25 minute breaks in between in the mornings, a 1 hour and 40 minute lunch, and 3 fifty minute classes with the same breaks in the afternoon. Each class has 4-6 students who are in the same Suzuki book. During the class, the teacher spends roughly 12 minutes with each student.
The students have the same classes and the same teachers each day. The kids' schedule includes Master classes during which each student works with the teacher on a recital piece to be played for all in the class at the end of the week and on a working piece, basically a piece in progress. Another class they have is Piano Ensemble. At the beginning levels, the students prepare both parts of 2 duets to play with other students in the class. Another class includes an opportunity for the kids to play with a small chamber orchestra. There are also classes that include movement to rhythm, music theory, and learning to read music.
By the end of the week, the students in each class really get to know one another. Some students and families come for several years to become better players yes, but also to see the friends they met and played with last year or for the last several years. The teachers keep coming back too not only to become better players and teachers, but also to see other Suzuki teacher friends.
At 4:45pm on Tuesday and on Wednesday, there is a special honors recital. A student can send in a DVD of themselves playing a Suzuki piece by early spring. The best kids' DVD performances are reviewed and certain kids are chosen to play in the recitals. These recitals are in the beautiful Vilar Performing Arts Center that I mentioned in an earlier blog, a fabulous place to perform. There are students of all ages and levels in these recitals. The youngest one I saw was 7 and the oldest was 15. Also, kids who play violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano play in these recitals, so with all the different instruments, the recitals are very interesting to watch. I saw my first one earlier this afternoon. I really enjoyed it and was totally impressed with their playing
Be sure to check out more pictures of Beaver Creek. Scroll all the way down :) See you on tomorrow's blog.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Kids Are Here!
In my teacher training class, we learned about how to teach all the Twinkles, Honey Bee, Cuckoo, and Lightly Row. I knew some of it already, but everytime I go to one of these classes, I learn new things and get great ideas from other people in the class and of couse our teacher. Each day, we will go through the pieces in Book 1 in detail. That's what my class is this week, Book 1.
Tonight is the first night that all the kids, who are going to be students here at the Colorado Suzuki Institute, are here. Their classes run from Tuesday - Saturday. The teachers, who are students, like me, arrived on Saturday and Sunday. Book 1 class is longer than any of the other books, so that's why I arrived on Saturday. Part of the teacher training will be observing the kids' lessons, writing up reports about each lesson we observe, and handing them in to our teacher. For Book 1, we have to observe 15 hours of lessons. We have to attend 28 hours of our Book 1 class too. So it's quite a big deal to get certified as a Book 1 Suzuki teacher.
Tonight is the fun party night for the kids (and teenagers), their families, and all the teachers who are either teachers or students at the Institute. Please be sure to scroll all the way down into the brown part of this blog to see all the pictures from the party I took just now. Hope you enjoy them!
Tonight is the first night that all the kids, who are going to be students here at the Colorado Suzuki Institute, are here. Their classes run from Tuesday - Saturday. The teachers, who are students, like me, arrived on Saturday and Sunday. Book 1 class is longer than any of the other books, so that's why I arrived on Saturday. Part of the teacher training will be observing the kids' lessons, writing up reports about each lesson we observe, and handing them in to our teacher. For Book 1, we have to observe 15 hours of lessons. We have to attend 28 hours of our Book 1 class too. So it's quite a big deal to get certified as a Book 1 Suzuki teacher.
Tonight is the fun party night for the kids (and teenagers), their families, and all the teachers who are either teachers or students at the Institute. Please be sure to scroll all the way down into the brown part of this blog to see all the pictures from the party I took just now. Hope you enjoy them!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
First Day at Colorado Suzuki Institute
Today was my first day of class. I learned all about how to help parents. So parents, I know how to help you help you child better now if practicing becomes a problem, for instance, or if you want to know more about the Suzuki method of teaching piano and much more.
My teacher's name is Jane and I talked with another teacher/student named Amber. My roommate is Annette. She will teach some of the children here at the Colorado Suzuki Institute when they arrive on Tuesday. Everyone is very nice here and the mountains are beautiful.
After 6 hours of class, I walked around the village. Here are some pictures I took. Hope you enjoy them.
My teacher's name is Jane and I talked with another teacher/student named Amber. My roommate is Annette. She will teach some of the children here at the Colorado Suzuki Institute when they arrive on Tuesday. Everyone is very nice here and the mountains are beautiful.
After 6 hours of class, I walked around the village. Here are some pictures I took. Hope you enjoy them.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Arrived Safely in Colorado!
I got up and made a big breakfast for my family at 4:30am CST (3:30am Rocky Mountain Time) because today was a big swim meet. Then I finished packing, my husband drove me to the airport, and I flew to the Denver airport. After that, two Suzuki teachers, one of them being me, took a shuttle to Beaver Creek. I met my roommate when I entered my room. She is very nice and teaches piano too. She will teach children at the Suzuki Institute (the same one I'm attending as a student) for the next two weeks. We unpacked and went to the grocery store so we could have something to eat. Now, I'm posting this message and will turn in for the evening as my first class starts at 8:30am tomorrow (Sunday) morning. I'll post more pictures with tomorrow's message.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)