In spite of my voice still sounding like a frog, I called Natta's violin teacher and we had a long conversation. She is planning a sabbatical to England in a month, so the stress of planning for that combined with me being a finicky parent has swayed the balance to the negative and she decided it is time for us to find another teacher, one who is more "in tune with three-year-olds". Hmmmm... I saw this coming. She did have a teacher to recommend, a young woman that Hubby went to school with at UI. I guess I'll give her a call, although we may not begin lessons until next fall. I hate to lose the momentum we have gained, but maybe we can maintain a little bit of ground over the summer and start fresh in the fall.
I have thought of enrolling Natta in the Pre-Twinkle class over again this fall. She might really benefit from being a little ahead of the game rather than miserably behind. I need to talk to some more teachers and get some more advice.
All in all I am not a whit discouraged as far as long-term music goes. We have plenty of time and there are so many wonderful teachers in the area I know we will find one who "clicks" with us. The whole reason I am doing this is because music enriches life, not to make her into some sort of child prodigy or win music competitions. The study of an instrument teaches self-discipline and the joy of working hard and accomplishing something, as well as the aesthetic experience of music.
For now we can keep working on our twinkles and monkey game. She did practice tonight, which was a good sign as this week has been a bit spotty since we have all been sick (except hubby, of course). Hubby has been using her "Lightning McQueen" toy car as a kind of substitute puppet-teacher who encourages her and looks for things like good bow-hold. This technique seems to be working really well. She would far rather show off for Lightning McQueen than for Mommy or Daddy. I have a feeling that it is safer to do so as she doesn't have to worry about being a perfectionist with him but can relax and have fun.
Have you tried Ferenc Cseszko (Fare Ins Chez Kow) at U of I? He has a daughter that is a little younger than Natalie. He and his wife are both violinists, and he teaches the U of I symphony, gives lessons, etc. He might know of someone or of a grad student that wants to teach younger kids. Just a thought. (Oh, best to reach him via email, his English is funny)
ReplyDeleteThat sounded a little off. He's really, really nice and a great teacher and violinist. He's from Hungary and has an accent. He once asked me if I had been knocked up by Rossini. No joke. :)
ReplyDeleteI might give him a try. I have heard that he is really nice. A lot of teachers don't like to take very young children or beginners and N is both. Also I am specifically looking for someone trained in the Suzuki Method of teaching young children.
ReplyDeleteI love it that there are so many choices around here. For such a small community we really have an outstanding amount of resources in the arts!
Hi, I've been reading your blog with interest for a few weeks. I'm mother to 2 Suzuki teenagers, a daughter playing violin and a son playing viola. Daughter also plays celtic harp - I see you're interested in harp - do you play? Just want to say, hang in there on the Suzuki lessons. It's the best thing we've ever done. Even I've got hooked - I've started learning classical guitar by the Suzuki method. Oh, and we're in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I began learning Celtic harp a few years ago and we have a 26-string harp with levers on C and F. So I'd like to get back into it at some point and I think Natta would enjoy it too. She LOVES listening to an O'Carolan CD we have.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement on the Suzuki stuff. It's not easy getting the momentum going, especially with the teacher giving us a hard time. But I have heard so many good things I really want to give it another try. :)
Thanks for the comment.
I'm inspired period. Today I was imagining that I'd I'd like to get my kids in piano, guitar, or dance and just need to make it happen. I know that I benefited GREATLY from being involved in music and sports, the discipline was excellent for me and it taught me to work hard and push myself. The fact that you got Natta started so young is what inspired me. After we figure out where the heck we are going to live I'm going to pursue some more things for the kiddo's and see what they "click" with.
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