5 Things I’m Loving This Week–June 19, 2015

This blog post was originally posted on the Plucky Violin Teacher site on June 19, 2025, so links and resources may not be current.

I have been really excited about the increased engagement in my studio.  Before I went on my maternity leave in March, I was feeling really discouraged and hopeless.  I felt like nothing I did ever made a difference, so why try?

Well.

Let me tell you, it does make a difference.  I can already see a little more excitement and sparkle in the eyes of some of my students.  Others it may take longer to reach, but I’m feeling good about continuing to try.  My increased excitement seems to be contagious.

I love it.  I’m actually looking forward to teaching every morning, and that is HUGE for me.  I even feel less guilty about leaving my boys because I honestly feel like what I am doing is having an impact.

I’m almost in tears with gratitude for this change in my attitude and in my heart.
So here it is, some awesome stuff to bring a song to your heart and a smile to your lips.

1.  I just received a copy of Sassmannshaus Violin Recital Album Volume I in the mail.  I cannot wait to start some of these pieces with my students.  Each one has a teacher duet and accompaniment and they are awesome.  I think they will correspond well with the Suzuki literature, and provide a much needed respite from Suzuki Books 1 and 2.  Check out this darling duet featuring Dr. Sassmannshaus and one of his students.  I could just die of cuteness.

2.  I tried using this awesome practice idea from Teach Piano Today.  My students loved the little “creatures of habit,” and they ACTUALLY DID IT.  The idea is to hang up the creature somewhere they will see it throughout the day, and to practice one specific spot from their repertoire each time they pass it.  It really helped some of my kids!

3.  If you haven’t heard of Igudesman and Joo, prepare to be delighted.  This comedy duo are not only absolutely hilarious, they are also pretty incredible musicians.  Share with your students for a good laugh.

4.  In the spirit of amazing performances, I just had to share one of my most favorite pieces.  Here is “Primavera” from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla (one of my most-loved composers!)  Gidon Kremer really captures the intense beauty of this fantastic piece. Listen to the other movements too, they are pretty monumental.

5.  I couldn’t help but include a little happy anecdote about my babies.  Milo has just learned his full name and his age.  I probably ask him what his name is about twenty times a day because I love how he says, “Feh-win.”  The kid cracks me up.

Sending you love from our house full of music.
Brecklyn

I would love to hear what’s been on your mind this week.  If you have something  you would like to see here next week, please share your tips, thoughts, and favorite web resources with us in the comments.