"Success Breeds Success"

   Dr. Shinichi Suzuki focused a lot on taking small steps in the learning process so that each child is sure to succeed.  By dividing skills or difficult passages into smaller units, the student is able to master each step and to gain confidence as they continue learning.  Every child is different, and not all students will need every small step.  As I work with my students during lessons I am constantly learning more about them and I try to present skills and musical pieces in a way that will help them do their best with confidence.

   As home teachers, parents can continue this process of success.  Cultivate a positive environment by giving specific comments on what the child did well.  If, for example, your child plays an excellent, soft piano section during Allegretto 1, tell them how well it worked.  Even if (or perhaps especially if) you think it was an accident and they were unaware of what they did, draw attention to the positive thing you observed in their playing.  They will happily work to repeat that success.
  As your child works on each step they have been assigned, acknowledge the effort they make.  Praise each achievement.

   If your child is really struggling with a song, look for a way to create a smaller step to work on.  If you are not sure what to do, please feel free to call me!  I would rather find a way to ensure positive success than have you wait and endure a frustrating week of practice with little progress.

  "Success breeds success," Dr. Suzuki said, and one positive practice session motivates students and parents for the next day's practice.