For my violin students I like to teach the “art” of playing upon their instruments. If kids have the freedom to explore, play their instrument and can feel they have created something “beautiful” they’ll want more of that feeling. So, after setting them up for success with form, posture and technique, they get to experiment and learn why tone production works the way it does. If they’re having fun with music, learning happens exponentially. With four strong willed kids of my own I know nagging to practice has never worked well. When it is fun, then I have to ask them to stop practicing because it’s time for dinner or bedtime. I recently took on some students with a suzuki method background where, at least for them, each new piece was a chore to learn; “not another Bach Gavotte! not another Vivaldi!” We started up with the O’Connor Method where they are playing the Blues, American Folk Tunes (advanced versions) Texas Swing and fiddle music and are having a blast! (we still pick up Mozart a little bit but it’s less of a chore now.) Increase the Joy.
