The Top Ten Plucky Violin Teacher Posts of 2015

This post was originally published on the Plucky Violin Teacher Blog on December 23, 2015 so links and resources may not be current.
 
I published my very first blog post on Plucky Violin Teacher on April 10, 2015 and so much has happened since then. I had just had my second baby, and I was feeling burnt out. Plucky Violin Teacher came into being as a way to reignite my love for teaching and for music.

I thought that writing about teaching would help motivate me to become a better teacher, and it has definitely done that. My violin studio is better than it’s ever been. The most surprising and lovely benefit of starting the Plucky Violin Teacher blog has been the connection and community that is beginning to build here. Thank you for all of your comments, emails, likes, and shares. I appreciate it more than you know.

Violin teaching can be a lonely profession in some ways. While we do spend time and build relationships with our students and their parents, many of us don’t spend much time with colleagues. I sometimes feel isolated. Maybe you do too.

So I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for creating this beautiful community of teachers. I’m proud to call you my colleagues.
THE TOP TEN BLOG POSTS ON PLUCKY VIOLIN TEACHER IN 2015

10. How to Plan and Prepare for An Amazing Studio Recital
I am notoriously disorganized. I have to have a detailed plan if I want my recitals to come off without a hitch. This post might be helpful to you if you are the same way!

9. Five Mistakes I Made as a New Violin Teacher
New teacher? Avoid my mistakes by checking out this post.

8. 5 Fun and Easy Music Practice Games
Looking for simple practice games for your students? Look no further!

7. To Bribe or Not to Bribe: How Pro Suzuki Parents Motivate Their Kids to Practice
This post has some great tips for motivating and rewarding practice.

6. Common Shoulder Rest Mistakes
Finding a comfortable and healthy posture is so difficult. McKenzie shares her tips here.

5. Why You Shouldn’t Quit Teaching Violin To Get a Real Job
Why I teach even though it is so punishing and hard sometimes.

4. The Plucky Violin Teacher Book Club
Join our book club for an amazing community of like-minded teachers who are improving their skills by reading great books together.

3. Ten Benefits of Listening to the Suzuki Recordings
Having a tough time getting your students to listen? Share this article to shed some light on why it is so important.

2. How Do I Find the Time to Practice with My Suzuki Student?
Want to know how busy students and parents find time to practice? Here’s one way they do it.

1. How Pro Suzuki Parents Get Their Kids to Practice
This is one of the biggest difficulties students, parents, and teachers face. I asked the experts, and here’s what they said.

Thank you for a wonderful year. Next one will be even better!

If growing your music studio is one of your resolutions for next year, read my post Marketing 101 for Music Teachers.