STRINGS WINTER WORKSHOP REFLECTION
Contributed by Shannon Englert (teacher, parent, and alum)
The Winter Workshop was so energizing for both students and teachers. As a teacher I received so many creative ideas through both observing the guest teachers and from the training with Dr. Durbin. I have been reflecting on one quote from Dr. Durbin: "Don't review, renew!" How can we make review songs new again in home practice, private lessons, and in Saturdays Group Lessons? We saw so many different examples of this and I love the creative challenge of coming up with ideas of my own. In my students and own children I saw a renewed enthusiasm for their instrument. In the daily practice slog we can too easily forget that it is fun to play the violin (or viola, cello, piano, flute, saxophone or any instrument!), and there is joy to be found in playing together and sharing our music with one another.
Thank you to all who made this workshop possible!
Through generous funding by the Kjellstrom Family Foundation and the Rockford, Area Arts Council, The Music Academy was able to host three expert guest Suzuki teachers to work with our group lesson students, families, and teachers:
Dr. Timothy Durbin provided a faculty training on group lesson philosophy and ideas, worked with violin group class students, coached Measure 5, and provided a masterclass.
Julia Wen worked with all of our cello groups, taught mini-lessons, and hosted a Musikgarten class for our youngest students and their families.
Meg Lanfear worked with our Violin A group students, provided mini-lessons, and taught Dalcroze classes.
“The highlight of the workshop for my son was performing Lightly Row alongside Meg Lanfear at the final concert. To be able to perform his piece in such a positive and supportive environment was an invaluable part of the workshop for my son. ”
“ My favorite detail of his teaching was how he centered much of the humour in the class around gags on his violin, drawing the students into the magic and wonder of the instrument itself. It was inspiring to see kids’ faces lighting up with his energy, and to see them learning with a joyful spirit. Every student I’ve asked so far has had nothing but praise for the day.”
