In last week’s episode (232 TSP What Did You Expect?), I talked about how Dr. Suuki encourages self-reflection to create expectation and intention. In this episode, I talk about a mid-month review journaling strategy to celebrate achievements, adjust or drop projects, set priorities, take care of financial responsibilities, and recapture lost projects. If you prefer … Continue reading "233 TSP Mid-Month Review"

In last week’s episode (231 TSP Tweaking Your One Percent) I discussed how to tweak your one percent to make progress into a habit and different way of thinking. This episode 232 is an example of how to use Dr. Suzuki’s recommendation about journaling and self-reflection to examine our lives, beliefs, and assumptions. If you … Continue reading "232 TSP What Did You Expect?"

In a previous episode (230), we discussed the tool of strategy journaling to solve problems quickly to provide to continue making progress. In today’s episode, which was recorded sometime in the summer/fall of 2021, I discuss how to tweak your one percent — a fascinating way of looking at making progress into a habit and … Continue reading "231 TSP Tweaking Your One Percent"

In a previous episode, we discussed the power of journaling as a tool for reflection about our life, relationships, and learning journey. Today we discussed the tool of strategy journaling to solve problems quickly to provide a path to continue making progress. We also discuss a quote from Dr. Suzuki about the environment we create … Continue reading "230 TSP Strategy Journaling (Deep Conversations)"

Have you pushed the Magic Listening Button and turned on your super ability to learn thoroughly and quickly? Recently Ian and I discussed at length about how we have experimented with listening techniques and strategies. We also shared some of our favorite recordings of various musical styles, including a jazz/swing rendition of the Bach double … Continue reading "229 TSP Deep Conversations — The Magic Listening Button"

Today I share one of many conversations that I have had with a wonderful young man, who performs and teaches and has recently formally joined the Suzuki teaching community. Ian Lee studied violin with me for almost a decade and currently performs professionally. We have shared our thoughts about numerous deep topics related to music, … Continue reading "228 TSP Deep Conversations (1)"

How we think about something can yield an experience that is productive or inefficient. Let me introduce you to the art of magic questions. When we ask ourselves a magic question, we find amazing guidance in how we can practice effectively or learn and understand something on a deeper level. Resources In the episode, I mentioned … Continue reading "227 TSP The Power of Magic Questions"

The new year hit me a little harder than I expected, and I have found it to be a little tough going forward. This episode will explain. I recorded it a few weeks ago but have not been ready to publish it until now. With this episode, I intend to move forward and continue with … Continue reading "226 TSP Tough Going"

Welcome 2021! Set goals by reflecting on the past year using the protocol set out in Jinny Ditzler’s book, Your Best Year Yet! Today’s part 2 episode looks at the remaining six questions. Join me and uncover the lessons you can take away from your past year. New Year Discount for Two Teaching Books To celebrate the … Continue reading "225 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet (part 2)"

Goodbye, 2020! At the start of a new year, I find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on my past year using the protocol set out in Jinny Ditzler’s book, Your Best Year Yet! Today’s episode is part 1 of 2 and visits the first four questions. I share my past year and encourage you to … Continue reading "224 TSP Let’s Prepare for Our Best Year Yet! (part 1)"

We are nearing the end of a trying and surprising year. In this episode, I begin to prepare for the coming new year. I invite you to join me the next few weeks as I explore useful tools for reflection and planning that will help us to come to grips with the tatters of 2020. … Continue reading "223 TSP Coming to the End"

Today I discuss a difficult teacher-parent conversation. How can we get going again when we struggle with a difficult schedule and practice period? What we need to do is simple enough, but it is also easy NOT to do. Here are some things we can do to get going again. How about buying me a … Continue reading "222 TSP Let’s Get Going Again!"

Today’s episode offers 7 quick tips to bring fun to a practice slump, from using costumes and theme days to choosing which side of the student to sit. Practice tools might include dice, hats, practice charts, and glass jars and be as simple as developing a basic practice routine. I also introduce the concept of … Continue reading "221 TSP 7 Quick Tips for Practicing Fun"

At the end of the summer, I interviewed Dr. Shu-Yi Scott about her Release Tension Workshop for teachers. During our discussion, Shu-Yi also shared some of her many ideas about teaching lessons and group classes online, as well as workshops and special learning camp programs for rhythm, music history and appreciation, and releasing tension. Shu-Yi … Continue reading "220 TSP Release Tension (Shu-Yi Scott Interview)"

I interviewed Brecklyn Ferrin (Plucky Violin Teacher blog & Suzuki Planet Podcast) about Boundaries. I was surprised by the depth of our conversation as we shared our boundary experiences in the teaching studio. This conversation will be especially helpful as we begin our studio journeys this fall. Resources Mentioned in the Episode The Plucky Violin … Continue reading "219 TSP Boundaries with Brecklyn Ferrin (Plucky Violin Teacher)"

Join me for an interview with David Cutler about his Super Nova project, an exciting addition to Suzuki repertoire accompaniments. Our conversation sparked all sorts of ideas about designing the future and creative performance practices. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast How about buying me a cup of coffee? If you want … Continue reading "218 TSP Super Nova Project | David Cutler Interview"

Join me as I explain a powerful exercise in reflection. I recently completed this exercise, and I gained clarity, hope, and peace for the future. Additional Resources Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode. Note that some links are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase these items using the links … Continue reading "217 TSP Look to the Future"

What does being intentional have to do with teaching or performing? Today’s episode looks at what being intentional means, why it is important, and how to create more of it. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast How about buying me a cup of coffee? If you want to show your appreciation and … Continue reading "216 TSP Being Intentional"

Many pr0blems may result from glitches in our time management system. Today’s episode discusses a few ideas that may be helpful to steer us onto a more productive course. How to Encourage the Teach Suzuki Blog and Podcast How about buying me a cup of coffee? If you want to show your appreciation and encouragement … Continue reading "215 TSP The Colors of Time"

Parents face tough decisions about school this fall 2020. In today’s episode, I interview Matthew Stephens about his company Essentials in Writing and for advice regarding homeschooling. Matthew also provided links and suggestions to find out further information about this topic in order to guide parents who are considering what decisions to make regarding their … Continue reading "214 TSP Homeschool | Matthew Stephens Interview"