I am currently sitting about 35 miles north of center chicago, in the center of a suzuki fest. Yesterday afternoon there was a cello "play-in" -- close to 90 cellists, mini to non, playing tunes, all from memory. Imagine, if you will, close to 300 students, all with some sort of instrument, and many with parents following, or leading, and many parents with more than one child. Duckling parade, with funny shaped backpacks.
After many many (we aren't counting now are we?) years of teaching, and using the suzuki books (to various degrees) I thought it was a good thing to hear about suzuki from the inside, from people who are truly excited about the method. I have already heard much - some instantly shifting, aligning paradigms, some for more mental chewing.
Suzuki is passionate about starting with the young. The central premise is starting with the very young, and they are very clear about that, and they make no apologies for that. (aka my often used example of Shriners, who tend children who need medical care - phychological issues, don't call them, over 21, don't call them.) So.... should you want to use aspects of Suzuki approach for your situation, grand, but they are interested in starting the very young from scratch.
My teacher trainer is Jean Dexter - one of the first in the SAA - Suzuki Assoc. of America. She joked that she has a 3 digit membership number. :-)
People have traveled from far - new mexico, california - toledo... My class for book 1 is 11 people, and already the personalities are emerging. Has already shown that this will be a very interesting week -- stay tuned...
(ps - I am reposting some of the older blogs from the other site)
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