Crowden Suzuki Violin Workshop 2012!

Crowden Suzuki Violin Workshop 2012.  David participated in this 4 day violin camp this year.  Which if you read between the lines, since he is only 5 1/2, means mom and dad chaffeured the little guy to Berkeley and back each day.  Who is exhausted?  Not the little man.

It begins with lots of one-on-one training.  As an educator this was wonderful to watch.  David would play a passage.  The teacher would watch and listen.  Then the teacher would pin point precisely what David needed to work on and she did this for every single student.  It was an art form just watching her.  David was able to make quantum leaps with this kind of precision instruction.

Keep in mind they are just kids so there are all sorts of devices needed to get them to maintain focus and concentration.  One is to put the violins down, but not just down in front of them.  "Lets make a circle" with them.  Beautiful to watch.

After much instruction (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), it is time to prepare for the performance.  

Yes during this period of time they have memorized and learned to play new pieces that they will perform.  Makes you think what we might do in public education if we were to apply this same approach.  The turn around time for learning is extraordinary.

When you see this kind of teaching and learning in action it makes you think about how profound the bumper sticker is:  "the arts are basic."

Now it is time to tune up and get in some last minute practice before the concert begins.  David is focused and serious.

Mom is around to give him last minute advice before his performance.  

Summer has been instrumental in making sure he learns his lessons and practices almost every night. We are aware of the socioeconomic, educational advantage of having a parent right in there at every step in the process and we are appreciative of the opportunities afforded him to learn.

The performance is about to begin.  Crowden has a beautiful auditorium.  The acoustics were fantastic.

Of course, as I mentioned, no matter how serious and committed everyone is, we are still talking about 5 1/2 year old kids.  So to make sure they are paying attention to your every move during the performance you need to get their attention before the performance.  

A sort of Simon Says game is particularly useful.   Everyone is told to point the bow to the ceiling, then put the tip of the bow on your nose, and then you hear the teacher say:  "now watch my movements as we play."  A nice technique.  It really works for David (of course he really gets into trying to reach the ceiling as you can see).

Here is Dragon Song, a piece David learned during the workshop. 

As you can see, he is careful, attentive, and still having a ball.

Sure his proud parents were there for the performance. What were you thinking?  Do you think we would miss this (particularly after attending everyone of his classes for 3 days)?  Do you think he would let us miss it?

We actually learned a lot and it is always helpful to step out of your comfort or safe zone intellectually and emotionally. This was challenging but helped refine our skills and insights in the process as well.

But boys will be boys.  Right after the performance where did we find David?  Climbing trees behind the school.  He may be very accomplished in many respects but he still is a kid and there is nothing wrong with that.  

The man is keeping us young and compels us to continue to learn along with him!