The Reality of Suzuki Group Classes

Suzuki Group Classes are such a unique learning environment. They are an opportunity to learn from those of all ages, to look up to those more advanced than we are, to find comfort in those in similar situations as ourselves, and to meet people we may not otherwise ever have the opportunity to meet. We are all there with the common goal of learning music and the violin and to have fun while doing it.

Despite all the magic and the goodness that can come from Group Classes, they are not without their challenges. It is so easy as parents of young ones in particular to get lost in the chaos and everything that the child can't YET do in class. When this happens, it is so important to notice the things a young child CAN do, no matter how small. To notice the things they can do when they see others do it and the things they show us they have learned outside of class time.

I have two little ones in the Group Class I am teaching, and it definitely comes with it's joys, but also it's struggles. Since there are so many young ones in this years Group Class (a new generation of musicians!) I wanted to share some reminders not only for the parents in my violin studio, but also for my own sake:

It is okay for a child to not always want to participate.

I try to put trust in the child and encourage them that they will know when they are ready. Creating a pressure free learning environment means patience. They will participate when they are ready, especially if they see everyone else having fun.

It is okay for them to not sit on the stage the whole time.

We all need breaks. Check in with them and bring them back to the stage when ready, even if it means the parent sits with them for a bit.

It is okay for them to be bored.

Being bored is not a bad thing. Just because a child doesn't know how to play a piece in group class and therefore isn't actively participating, doesn't mean they aren't learning. Group Class is about exposure - to music, to creating, to working with a different group of people, to trying things outside our comfort zone, to learning something new, to reviewing something old.

It is okay for them to be tired by the end of class.

It is also okay for mom/dad/guardian to be tired. The parent is an active participant and it's the end of the day. Be tired, be kind, look for the good, and keep showing up.

It is okay, for you as the parent, and your child, to be frustrated.

Learning the violin is hard, and even though your child is the student, you are their support, their teammate, always. You work together. You experience the ups and downs of practice, and performing, and learning together. Acknowledge the feeling when it comes up and embrace it as normal. Work together to get through the frustration and ask teacher for guidance.

Be present as the parent, so you can see the magic in class.

The magic of when they pick up their violin and stand with the other students for the first time. When they play along even though they don't know how to play it all yet. When they follow the group into play position and rest position. When they sit and listen. When they offer ideas and answer questions. When they show courage and bravery by trying something new. When they make mistakes, but keep going anyway. When they smile at you from the stage.

Aside from these reminders that deal with what to remember IN THE MOMENT and AFTER Group Class, what can we as parents do to prepare a child BEFORE Group Class?

1. Talk about Group Class expectations before class time. Talk about violin safety, standing on the stage when they feel ready, what to do when they don't know how to play a song, etc.

2. Arrive at Group Class a few minutes early so as not to feel rushed and to get use to the environment.

3. Use the washroom and get a snack or a drink at home, in the car, or in the few minutes before group class starts. Meeting these basic needs can make a huge difference.

4. Spend 10 minutes talking/playing together before Group Class - also called the 10 Minute Miracle (Big Little Feelings). Sometimes after a long day at school, a young child just needs parents undivided attention. 10 minutes can be enough and can give a child the love and support they need to move into the next activity with confidence.

5. Be flexible with your expectations. You may have done all you can to prepare and meet their needs (and your own), but by 5:00, we are all just tired. We are not failures if things don't go according to plan. We are human.

Lastly, remember this is a journey. Progress won't happen all at once, but from the small steps we take everyday.