Teach Suzuki Podcast - by Paula E. Bird
Paula E. Bird
Weekly podcast episodes accompany your Suzuki music journey, whether you are a parent, a teacher, or a Suzuki music student. Subscribe to the podcast to hear and learn more about being an effective parent or teacher using the Suzuki Method.
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 … Continue reading "233 TSP Mid-Month Review"
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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 … Continue reading "232 TSP What Did You Expect?"
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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 … Continue reading "231 TSP Tweaking Your One Percent"
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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 … Continue reading "230 TSP Strategy Journaling (Deep Conversations)"
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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 … Continue reading "229 TSP Deep Conversations — The Magic Listening Button"
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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, … Continue reading "228 TSP Deep Conversations (1)"
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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 … Continue reading "227 TSP The Power of Magic Questions"
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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 … Continue reading "226 TSP Tough Going"
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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 … Continue reading "225 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet (part 2)"
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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 … Continue reading "224 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet! (part 1)"
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223 TSP Coming to the End
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. … Continue reading "223 TSP Coming to the End"
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222 TSP Let’s Get Going Again!
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 … Continue reading "222 TSP Let’s Get Going Again!"
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221 TSP 7 Quick Tips for Practicing Fun
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 … Continue reading "221 TSP 7 Quick Tips for Practicing Fun"
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220 TSP Release Tension (Shu-Yi Scott Interview)
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 … Continue reading "220 TSP Release Tension (Shu-Yi Scott Interview)"
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219 TSP Boundaries with Brecklyn Ferrin (Plucky Violin Teacher)
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 … Continue reading "219 TSP Boundaries with Brecklyn Ferrin (Plucky Violin Teacher)"
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218 TSP Super Nova Project | David Cutler Interview
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 … Continue reading "218 TSP Super Nova Project | David Cutler Interview"
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217 TSP Look to the Future
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 … Continue reading "217 TSP Look to the Future"
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216 TSP Being Intentional
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 … Continue reading "216 TSP Being Intentional"
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215 TSP The Colors of Time
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 … Continue reading "215 TSP The Colors of Time"
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214 TSP Homeschool | Matthew Stephens Interview
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 … Continue reading "214 TSP Homeschool | Matthew Stephens Interview"
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213 TSP The Daily Card
Small daily actions can be crucial for building successful habits and routines but may seem too inconsequential for keeping track of them in a larger sense In today’s episode I discuss the value of a simple daily card to remind us of important lifestyle choices. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast How … Continue reading "213 TSP The Daily Card"
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212 TSP Insects and Birds and Critters, Oh My!
We can find ways to relate our teaching points to things that are familiar to our students. We use four things a lot in my studio: insects, birds, critters, and the four corner dance. Today’s episode may help spark more creativity and add more fun to your own lessons and practices. How to Encourage the … Continue reading "212 TSP Insects and Birds and Critters, Oh My!"
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211 TSP Why Cut Off the Ends of the Roast? | Creating a New Vision
Are we asking ourselves the right questions and relying on correct and valid assumptions about the future right now? Today I discuss how we can question ourselves and create an even better vision and course of action for the future as teachers, parents, and students. I discuss five important areas that I want to provide … Continue reading "211 TSP Why Cut Off the Ends of the Roast? | Creating a New Vision"
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210 TSP One Tiny Thing
Can one tiny thing really make a difference? Perhaps not in the moment, but if done consistently over a period of time, it can cause valuable change. 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 … Continue reading "210 TSP One Tiny Thing"
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209 TSP What Am I Doing Differently?
I am doing many things in a different way during this distance learning and online teaching situation. What works? What do I want to keep doing? This episode talks about the top three things that I am doing, whether I want to continue to do them, and why. Other Resources I mentioned a new tool … Continue reading "209 TSP What Am I Doing Differently?"
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208 TSP Recognize the Signs
So much is happening right now and so quickly! In this podcast episode, I list three areas where I watch to recognize the signs: depression, confusion, and frustration. There are also signs that may indicate a reaction to a community trauma and crisis fatigue. I share these signs and their significance to our teaching and … Continue reading "208 TSP Recognize the Signs"
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207 TSP Theme Days
How do we restructure our routines or habits to be more effective teachers, students, or parents? I share my technique of “Theme Days” to keep focused on accomplishing my goals and accomplishments. I also share a simple technique (Rule of 5) to help parents and teachers create effective practice and lesson plans. How to Encourage … Continue reading "207 TSP Theme Days"
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206 TSP What’s Important is What’s Next
Difficulty and struggle reveal our character. Now is a time to reflect on a lot of things: what’s happening, what will happen, how we should respond, and what we should focus on. Now more than any other time in our lives do we need to focus on what’s important and what happens next. Thank you … Continue reading "206 TSP What’s Important is What’s Next"
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205 TSP Hunkering Down (Coronavirus/COVID-19)
The world has changed a lot since the last podcast episode was submitted for broadcast. Let’s talk about the impact and how it may affect teachers and parents, and our students and children. Book Giveaway Event (3/15/2020 submission deadline) I am celebrating the official 200th episode of the podcast, published a few weeks ago. To … Continue reading "205 TSP Hunkering Down (Coronavirus/COVID-19)"
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204 TSP Clean Up Your Environment
“Man is the son of his Environment,” Dr. Suzuki said. Our environment influences many aspects of what we do and how we relate to our world. How do we manage our environment to contribute positively to our teaching, learning, and parenting? How do we use our environment to enhance our ability and skill development? Book … Continue reading "204 TSP Clean Up Your Environment"
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203 TSP What Did You Say?
“What did you say?” This has been a crazy week to hear the things that students and sometimes parents have said. I want to revisit the topic of how important our language choices are and to suggest a few ideas for making us more aware of our language and how to change it in positive … Continue reading "203 TSP What Did You Say?"
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202 TSP Let’s Get Started (Again)!
Whenever I start new students, I like to revisit how I include these new students and their families in the studio. This episode discusses the things that I think are important to share with new studio parents. I am celebrating the official 200th episode of the podcast, published a few weeks ago. To celebrate this … Continue reading "202 TSP Let’s Get Started (Again)!"
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201 TSP What’s Your Problem?
How do you solve problems? What steps do you need to take to identify, solve, and evaluate problems? How do you teach problem-solving skills to students or children? Last week’s episode was the official 200th episode of the podcast. To celebrate this 4-year milestone, I am offering a giveaway of the English version of the … Continue reading "201 TSP What’s Your Problem?"
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200 TSP What Kind of Parenting Style Do You Use?
What does parenting style have to do with effective teaching and parenting? In order to answer that question, we merely have to ask: who should be in charge? Today’s episode looks closer at the issue of what happens when a parent answers that question with different answers. Today’s episode is the official 200th episode of … Continue reading "200 TSP What Kind of Parenting Style Do You Use?"
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199 TSP Where Do You Want to Be?
We have reached the second month of the new year. Are you where you wanted or expected to be? Today’s episode will give you three action steps to take to bring you closer to where you wanted or expected to be. Resources New Year, New Ideas (podcast episode about using a journaling tool) Journaling Ideas & … Continue reading "199 TSP Where Do You Want to Be?"
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198 TSP Too Many Activities?
Today’s episode visits an issue that plagues many parents and teachers: an over-scheduled life filled with more activities than can be comfortably experienced and enjoyed. Resources Can You See It? | Intention and Vision (episode 147) Three Steps for Success | P-L-S (episode 144) Simple 4-Part Plan | Start the New Year Successfully (episode 93) How to Encourage … Continue reading "198 TSP Too Many Activities?"
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197 TSP Stop Hugging the Wall
I challenge parents to stop hugging the wall. I challenge them to avoid giving in, giving up, or giving out. If we do that, then we can accomplish big things. Today’s episode discusses why and how we can do that. Resources Break Free From Limiting Beliefs (podcast episode 163) Lessons From Marathon Training (podcast episode 188) Practice … Continue reading "197 TSP Stop Hugging the Wall"
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196 TSP Ten Tips to Start Again After a Holiday or Break
Interruptions and holiday breaks are inevitable, but we can get our practice routines started again with these ten simple tips. Resources episode 195: includes a discussion about the why-how-done analysis Now Hear This (Great Performances Video) [Some of these links may be Amazon Affiliate links, which means that if you were to use these links … Continue reading "196 TSP Ten Tips to Start Again After a Holiday or Break"
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195 TSP New Year, New Ideas
Happy New Year! Today’s episode discusses an important tool that will help you to engage with your life and work, bring you opportunities to enjoy peace and relaxation, and bring your life into focus and offer clarity. Resources If you are interested in a collection of journaling questions, prompts, and ideas that I use in … Continue reading "195 TSP New Year, New Ideas"
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194 TSP End of Year Planning
We are nearing the end of 2019. It’s time to do an annual review. In an earlier episode (140), I discussed several tools that I find helpful when doing an annual review. I focus time on the Best Year Yet! method as outlined by Jinny Ditzler in her book. I also discuss some valuable tools that I … Continue reading "194 TSP End of Year Planning"
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193 TSP S-L-O-W-L-Y
One of the biggest struggles I have in my teaching studio is how to engage students to embrace, adopt, and enjoy the process of practicing slowly. Today’s episode demonstrates and discusses my process of evaluating my sound production while practicing s-l-o-w-l-y. Other resources Practice Challenges (episode 192): this episode discusses how to build a practice … Continue reading "193 TSP S-L-O-W-L-Y"
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192 TSP Practice Challenges
This episode discusses an idea for developing practice challenges for ourselves. In this episode, I discuss how I used the idea of a practice challenge to work through a rehabilitation of a left-hand injury. I also discuss how these types of challenges can be created to address other issues such as consistency. Other resources This … Continue reading "192 TSP Practice Challenges"
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191 TSP Holiday Musings, What’s Next?
Today’s episode discusses an important part of our year and how we think about our future. During this holiday season, we can slow our pace to allow us to create mental space to clarify our priorities. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Buy The Twinkle Project You can support the blog and podcast … Continue reading "191 TSP Holiday Musings, What’s Next?"
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190 TSP Important Words
Here are some very important words. We are important. Because we are important, how we act, what we do, and what we say matters. Today’s episode reminds us of why it is important to remember this at all times, whether we are teachers, parents, or students. Other Resources Plucky Violin Teacher (Brecklyn Ferrin) SAA Building … Continue reading "190 TSP Important Words"
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189 TSP Pebble in My Shoe | Teacher Triage
Today’s episode looks at the subject of “teacher triage” and how a teacher might wade through student issues during a lesson. The medical community uses the word “triage” to assess the order of treatment based on the degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses. How could a teacher develop a triage system to assist the … Continue reading "189 TSP Pebble in My Shoe | Teacher Triage"
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188 TSP Lessons From Marathon Training
What does marathon training have to do with learning how to play a musical instrument? Teachers can gather many ideas that are similar to the lessons learned from training and running a marathon. Other Resources Hal Higdon’s Novice Marathon Training Plan (website) Marathon by Hal Higdon Marathon by Jeff Galloway [I am an Amazon Associate and the … Continue reading "188 TSP Lessons From Marathon Training"
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187 TSP Developing Character Principles
How does one live life to the fullest? How does one stay grounded while surrounded by life’s distractions? Today’s episode talks about one useful tool and an exercise that helps us to foster and reflect on developing character principles. Other Resources My A9 Blueline Journal The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron The Daily Stoic by Ryan … Continue reading "187 TSP Developing Character Principles"
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186 TSP Pay Attention to Me! | Self-Management
Teachers and parents spend a great deal of time and effort to get students and children to concentrate and focus. A child may look as if he or she is paying attention to us, but we may find out later that the child is not. Today’s episode looks at ideas to help students and children … Continue reading "186 TSP Pay Attention to Me! | Self-Management"
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185 TSP Five Habits for Music Teachers (and Parents too)
Music teachers and parents of students who study music and develop the skills to play musical instruments need to focus on some crucial habits in order to succeed. Here are my five suggested habits for music teachers and parents too. Other Resources Habits of Highly Effective Suzuki Teachers & Parents (podcast) Excellence is a Habit (podcast) Three … Continue reading "185 TSP Five Habits for Music Teachers (and Parents too)"
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184 TSP Define Your Mission Statement
When you go on a trip, before you pull the car out of your driveway, you need to know where you are going. Today’s episode talks about the importance of defining your mission statement to design your life. Other Resources 7 Habits Card Deck Habits of Highly Effective Suzuki Teachers & Parents (podcast) Habit 2: Begin … Continue reading "184 TSP Define Your Mission Statement"
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183 TSP Make My Job Easier | Dear Parent
This episode is an open letter to parents or students who study a music instrument and sets out the basic steps for parents to ensure their children succeed. Other Resources Atomic Habits by James Clear How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Buy The Twinkle Project You can support the blog and podcast … Continue reading "183 TSP Make My Job Easier | Dear Parent"
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182 TSP Setbacks | Managing Your Expectations
How do we recognize a setback in our practice routines or our learning progression? How can we address these setbacks? What are the dangers of unrealistic, uninformed, or nonexistent expectations? Today’s episode will discuss all these topics and suggest some possibilities for addressing setbacks and managing our expectations. Other Resources Draw Them In: Build Concentration … Continue reading "182 TSP Setbacks | Managing Your Expectations"
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181 TSP The Reluctant Student
What can we do if a student refuses to participate in lessons? How do we handle the reluctant student — the student who does not seem to be engaged with lessons or learning? How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Buy The Twinkle Project You can support the blog and podcast by making … Continue reading "181 TSP The Reluctant Student"
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180 TSP Good Citizenship
Dr. Suzuki told us that teaching music was not his main purpose. He wanted to make good citizens. He said, “If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.” How do we teach our children and students … Continue reading "180 TSP Good Citizenship"
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179 TSP The Power of Checklists
We do a lot of different things in a day. What if there were a way to speed up our daily, weekly, and monthly tasks so that we could squeeze a few minutes free, or better yet, make our tasks easier to perform so that we didn’t have to work so hard at them? How … Continue reading "179 TSP The Power of Checklists"
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178 TSP Draw Them In: Build Concentration and Focus
I live on a ranch with chickens, dogs, alpacas, and several donkeys, along with the occasional horse. My rural ranch life has provided me with many colorful examples of activities and techniques about how to be an effective parent or teacher. This episode shares some of those rural lessons as I relate them to the … Continue reading "178 TSP Draw Them In: Build Concentration and Focus"
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177 TSP Don’t Make Life Easy!
Parents naturally want to shield their children from frustration, struggle, and harm. The greatest gift parents can give their children is the value of work. Nature gives us examples of work to hatch, to thrive, and to grow stronger, taller, and fuller. How can parents help guide their children to grow and thrive? What can … Continue reading "177 TSP Don’t Make Life Easy!"
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176 TSP Starting a New Student and Parent | Resources for New Parents/Teachers
Starting a new relationship between a teacher, student, and parent is an important step, and there are many things to be sure and put into place for the relationship to succeed in the future. Today’s episode looks at how a beginning music lesson journey can begin with a new student and parent. Other Resources I … Continue reading "176 TSP Starting a New Student and Parent | Resources for New Parents/Teachers"
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175 TSP How Do You Get Things Done?
How do you get things done when you do not want to do anything? How do you deal with clutter — physical, mental, and emotional? How do you handle the tendency to procrastinate? This episode looks at several reasons why we clutter and procrastinate and suggests several possible solutions. Other Resources I talked about other … Continue reading "175 TSP How Do You Get Things Done?"
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174 TSP Change Your Perspective
Have you considered your perspective and how you think about things? Do you have a process that you can follow to find out what your perspective is? Today’s episode offers a six-step process that asks particular questions to discover what perspective or bias you may be holding about an important topic, even though you may … Continue reading "174 TSP Change Your Perspective"
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173 TSP Listen to This!
Many of the Teach Suzuki podcast episodes are archived now, but they are still relevant to a teacher or parent. This episode looks at the topic of one of the first podcast episodes. An important element of the Suzuki Method is daily listening to the repertoire a student is learning. This episode explores several stories … Continue reading "173 TSP Listen to This!"
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172 TSP Suzuki Method’s Six Philosophy Points
Earlier episodes of the Teach Suzuki Podcast have been archived and are not easily found by listeners who are new to the podcast. Here is an important early episode. The Suzuki Method contains 6 basic philosophy points that are the foundation of a successful Suzuki journey. Does it matter whether parents and teachers share the … Continue reading "172 TSP Suzuki Method’s Six Philosophy Points"
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171 TSP In the Beginning
Are you a parent with a child studying music using the Suzuki Method? Are you a teacher who uses the Suzuki Method? Are you a student learning with the Suzuki Method? If you are any one of these or perhaps someone who wants to learn more, join the Teach Suzuki Podcast community. I recently discovered … Continue reading "171 TSP In the Beginning"
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170 TSP Get Creative
Suzuki teachers and parents role model coping and managing strategies about life for our students and children. This takes a lot of work. We have to think of what to do as a role model as well as think about what our students and children need to see in their role models. This can be … Continue reading "170 TSP Get Creative"
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003 TSP Are You Listening
Today’s episode discusses the importance of listening to ability and skill development. Every person who has struggled to learn new music repertoire will find the information in this podcast episode helpful. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Contact Me I really enjoy hearing from my readers and listeners. If you have a … Continue reading "003 TSP Are You Listening"
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169 TSP The Summer Challenge
Summer breaks and vacations present challenges that differ from the rest of the year. Today I look at three ideas that have been successful in my studio at guiding my students and studio parents to practice more without complaint. I mentioned a few resources related to the summer challenge and the summer daze: Episode 62: … Continue reading "169 TSP The Summer Challenge"
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168 TSP So What?
What do you do when a student or a parent comes into your teaching studio with a set of excuses for why they did not practice enough or at all? Have you tried, “so what?” How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Contact Me I really enjoy hearing from my readers and listeners. … Continue reading "168 TSP So What?"
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167 TSP Solvable Problems
We all have problems and today’s episode offers five strategies to solve any problem. Monthly Focus: Habits This month’s focus or theme is to take a closer look at our habits. Let us focus on what our actual daily habits are and what we can do to improve these habits and routines, and let us … Continue reading "167 TSP Solvable Problems"
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166 TSP Practice Small, Practice Deep | Mastery
I think everyone should spend time in the “learning mode” in order to remember that the main road to skill mastery and ability development is filled with opportunities to practice small and practice deep by how we choose to build our habits. I talked of two books that contain useful information about this subject area. … Continue reading "166 TSP Practice Small, Practice Deep | Mastery"
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165 TSP Practice Woes
Many teachers, parents, and students struggle with practice issues: lack of desire, lack of time, or lack of know-how. The practice struggle can be easily altered by a change in perspective and renewed commitment to take action in a different direction. Here is another episode that discusses the value of learning another skill, such as … Continue reading "165 TSP Practice Woes"
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164 TSP Student Problems
Many teachers struggle with student problems that can frustrate teachers’ lesson plans. Today’s episode looks at various student issues that teachers (and sometimes parents) encounter through various student age levels and discusses how teachers can address these problems. Monthly Focus: IDEAS COMPENDIUM For this month’s focus or theme, we were putting our attention on building … Continue reading "164 TSP Student Problems"
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163 TSP Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
Many teachers, parents, and students struggle to overcome limiting beliefs about their abilities to succeed or overcome difficulties. This episode looks at the power of limiting beliefs, how to break free from their negative pull, and how to transform them into positive motivation to overcome struggles and frustration. Monthly Focus: IDEAS COMPENDIUM For this month’s … Continue reading "163 TSP Break Free from Limiting Beliefs"
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162 TSP Parent Woes
This episode looks at three basic areas that teachers may struggle with the parenting part of the Suzuki Triangle: location, scheduling, and parenting issues. Monthly Focus: IDEAS COMPENDIUM For this month’s focus or theme, we were putting our attention on building an “ideas compendium.” This week’s mission was to identify the struggles that teachers might … Continue reading "162 TSP Parent Woes"
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161 TSP Recital Celebration
How do we prepare a relaxed and poised recital performance to demonstrate our work and skill development to our best abilities? This episode discusses building a recital preparation checklist, choosing recital selections, setting memorization deadlines, and showing students how to build performance confidence. Monthly Focus: IDEAS COMPENDIUM This month’s focus or theme is to build … Continue reading "161 TSP Recital Celebration"
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160 TSP I Have a Rooster (Maybe You Do Too)
What happens if you raise chicken hens for the eggs and find out that you have a rooster in the bunch? What does this problem have to do with teaching and parenting? This podcast episode looks at the roosters that all teachers discover in their studios from time to time. For additional blog articles that … Continue reading "160 TSP I Have a Rooster (Maybe You Do Too)"
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159 TSP Fresh Out of Ideas
Are you feeling a bit blah? Do you recycle the same ideas over and over? Do you need some new ideas or ways to do things? This episode considers ways to address those times when our teaching and parenting enthusiasm and motivation slow. Monthly Focus: Humor Our monthly focus is on humor. Humor connects us … Continue reading "159 TSP Fresh Out of Ideas"
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158 TSP Helping Parents
Helping parents? How can teachers help parents? Is there anything a parent can do to help a teacher understand what help the parent needs? This episode looks at these questions and offers some useful ideas. Monthly Focus: Humor Our monthly focus is on humor. We benefit from humor added to our lives. Humor builds pleasant … Continue reading "158 TSP Helping Parents"
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157 TSP Refuse to Quit
We have preferred behaviors to accomplish particular goals, but many of us quit when we are unable to do our preferred behaviors because life interrupted our routines and disrupted our schedules. This episode suggests two more categories of behaviors to identify and plan in order to maintain progress or keep from sliding backward. Monthly Focus: … Continue reading "157 TSP Refuse to Quit"
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156 TSP It’s My Turn | Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is familiar to all parents and teachers. “It’s my turn!” “I don’t want to go first! It’s your turn to go first!” “I get the front seat!” “I had the toy first!” Sound familiar in your home or teaching studio? Maybe you have even heard these sorts of complaints in the workplace. Most … Continue reading "156 TSP It’s My Turn | Sibling Rivalry"
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155 TSP Start From the Center
What connection is there between sleep relaxation exercises, chicken coop tarps, and Dr. Suzuki’s advice to self-reflect? Today’s episode looks at the “center outward” approach to teaching and parenting within the framework of the Suzuki teaching and parenting philosophy and the Suzuki Triangle roles. Monthly Focus: Preparation The month’s focus is Preparation, and March is … Continue reading "155 TSP Start From the Center"
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154 Playful Parenting
Today’s episode discusses Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. This interesting book offers us entertaining stories and useful anecdotes to show parents (and teachers) how to build closer connections with their children. Through the use of play, parents and teachers can help to solve behavior problems, build confidence, and assist children to work through emotional … Continue reading "154 Playful Parenting"
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153 TSP And Another Thing . . .
What does perseverance, expectation, and awesomeness have to do with each other? Is there a connection? I argue that these concepts have a great deal to do with each other and will affect the development of our children’s and students’ character and are a necessary component of our teaching and parenting. Monthly Focus: Preparation The … Continue reading "153 TSP And Another Thing . . ."
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152 TSP 10 Feet Focus & The Preparation Road
When we begin a journey or project, are we prepared? And even if we are prepared for the journey as we imagine it will be, will we be prepared for anything else that might come our way? How do we prepare ourselves for the journey of complete possibility? Today’s episode will look at the concepts … Continue reading "152 TSP 10 Feet Focus & The Preparation Road"
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151 TSP What’s Your Story?
Problems arise from our dramatic descriptions or retelling of events, whether about practicing, being busy, taking notes, or forgetting homework assignments. This episode looks at typical teacher, parent, or student stories and how they may adversely impact our ability to take personal responsibility or solve problems. Monthly Focus: LOVE The month’s focus has been about … Continue reading "151 TSP What’s Your Story?"
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150 TSP Stop Hitting the Traffic Cones! | Practice Techniques for Speeding
Today’s episode discusses the issue of students’ speeding through practice sessions or lessons. How can we effectively help a student find and remain at the most effective practice speed? Today’s episode discusses three areas where we can suggest controlling adjustments: speed, space, and someone. I suggest several ideas and tips about helping students practice more … Continue reading "150 TSP Stop Hitting the Traffic Cones! | Practice Techniques for Speeding"
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149 TSP Give Me Your Word
Today’s episode discusses the power of the words we choose to use — both negatively and positively. From this starting point, I discuss how the words we use and the power they have can create a new possibility of vision. This vision can inspire and motivate us and our children and students. Monthly Focus: LOVE … Continue reading "149 TSP Give Me Your Word"
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148 TSP Possibility
Today’s episode focuses on the possibility that we can look for, find, or create in and for our children. As parents and teachers, do we see the potential or possibility in our children? Do we see beyond the daily noise and activity to actually see what our children could be? Do we even look? Do we … Continue reading "148 TSP Possibility"
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147 TSP Can You See It? | Intention and Vision
Today’s episode focuses entirely on the weekly mission of getting clarity of our intention and vision. Monthly Focus: CLARITY Previous episodes introduced the new feature on the podcast: the monthly focus or theme and a weekly mission with some suggested questions to guide listeners. The focus or theme I chose for the month of January … Continue reading "147 TSP Can You See It? | Intention and Vision"
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146 TSP Any Questions?
This episode takes a look at 7 focus questions that will improve our ability to teach or coach. I discuss the book, The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier. This book suggests 7 focused questions that will open up conversations to lead toward personal development. … Continue reading "146 TSP Any Questions?"
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145 TSP What is Your Story? | The Suzuki Triangle
Today’s episode discusses a Suzuki Triangle goal setting tool that brings an interesting perspective to the Suzuki Triangle relationship of the parent, student, and teacher. This tool brings the goals of each person in the Suzuki Triangle relationship together and creates or reveals the story of this relationship. In this episode, I share my excitement … Continue reading "145 TSP What is Your Story? | The Suzuki Triangle"
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144 TSP Three Steps for Success | P-L-S
Today’s episode sets out a simple three-step plan that leads to success on the Suzuki music journey. These three steps are simple to remember and follow: P-L-S. P – Practice L – Listen S – Support Monthly Focus: CLARITY Today’s episode introduces a new feature on the podcast: the monthly focus or theme and a … Continue reading "144 TSP Three Steps for Success | P-L-S"
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143 TSP Can You See It? | The Power of Visualization
One of the most powerful tools for creating successful practices, lessons, or change is visualization. Today’s episode offers a look at a few powerful visualization tools that teachers and parents can use to build future success in lessons, home practices, or life in general. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Contact Me … Continue reading "143 TSP Can You See It? | The Power of Visualization"
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142 TSP The Power of Touch
One important way to communicate and be strongly connected with another is by using the power of touch. Today’s episode discusses the value of connecting through touch and how we can include this power to deepen our connections and communication with family and friends. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast Contact Me … Continue reading "142 TSP The Power of Touch"
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141 TSP Affirmations for Music Teachers & Parents
Today’s episode discusses how to change our attitude and focus to create a more positive life that affirms our desired behaviors and attitudes. If you struggle with some areas of your life as a teacher or parent, try the steps suggested to create affirmations that support a more successful and satisfying life. How to Encourage … Continue reading "141 TSP Affirmations for Music Teachers & Parents"
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140 TSP The Best Way to Plan (Annual Review)
We are nearing the end of 2018. It’s time to do an annual review. In this episode I discuss several tools that help us to do an annual review. I focus time on the Best Year Yet! method as outlined by Jinny Ditzler in her book. I also discuss some valuable tools that I use from the … Continue reading "140 TSP The Best Way to Plan (Annual Review)"
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139 TSP Last Chance (2018)
We are nearing the end of 2018. How can we use our time wisely right now to finish 2018 with style and prepare room for expansion for 2019. I propose several questions that I find useful to help me clear out some sticky spots in my life that will hamper my progress in the coming … Continue reading "139 TSP Last Chance (2018)"
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138 TSP Conference Joy (IMTEX 2018)
I recently returned from another wonderful International Music Teachers Exchange (IMTEX) conference in Remscheid, Germany, where I gathered together with many teachers from all over the world to share new ideas, discoveries, and solutions, and I met once again friends from previous years as well as made new Facebook and email friendships. Once again, the … Continue reading "138 TSP Conference Joy (IMTEX 2018)"
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137 TSP Eva Belvelin Interview (Teacher Resources)
I recently returned from another wonderful International Music Teachers Exchange (IMTEX) conference in Remscheid, Germany, where I joined many of my dear colleagues from all around the world to share ideas, discoveries, friendship, and our love of teaching music. Under the direction of the conference organizer, Kerstin Wartberg, who is well known for her wonderful … Continue reading "137 TSP Eva Belvelin Interview (Teacher Resources)"
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136 TSP Polishing
What do Suzuki teachers mean when they talk about polishing a piece? This episode takes an in depth look at the subject of polishing: what it is, when we do it, how do we do it, and how can we apply the polishing principles to other areas of the student’s life. I mentioned a few … Continue reading "136 TSP Polishing"
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135 TSP Motivating the Older Student (Teenager)
Motivating younger children is different and perhaps easier than motivating the older student. Today’s episode looks at the how teaching a teenager or older student is different and how a teenager’s basic needs may impact the learning process. I surveyed a few older students and received some interesting answers. How to Support the Teach Suzuki … Continue reading "135 TSP Motivating the Older Student (Teenager)"
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134 TSP The Foreseeable Future
In today’s episode, I discuss a helpful technique that I call, “the foreseeable future.” When planning the action steps to complete our projects, this technique will help to keep our focus on the next few action steps in order to muster our discipline and energy forces to complete the work. This idea may also apply … Continue reading "134 TSP The Foreseeable Future"
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133 TSP Hodgepodge: Connections, Language, Goals
Today’s episode briefly visits three subject areas: making connections, reframing language, and Suzuki Triangle goals. The episode discusses each of these three areas and offers examples and suggestions for improving our teaching and parenting relationships. Making Connections Often we interpret the behavior of others as an annoyance, an interruption, or an interference with something we … Continue reading "133 TSP Hodgepodge: Connections, Language, Goals"
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132 TSP Wait For It, Work For It
Wait For It, Work For It One important skill set we should learn and master in order to navigate life successfully, is the ability to “wait for it” and “work for it.” Even if you are a child, a parent, or a teacher, there are many opportunities to learn and strengthen this skill. This episode … Continue reading "132 TSP Wait For It, Work For It"
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