May 2026 Newsletter

May 2026 NewsletterAnnouncements
Quick version:  
May 1- Graduation rehearsal, detailed schedule below
Summer lesson signups- If the days/times don't work for you, please let me know.
May 4- Suzuki Graduation, Ogden Tabernacle, arrive 6:30 p.m., starts 7 p.m.
Fiddle Tour- Wear a plain red shirt!
June 9, 6 p.m., Country Care Assisted Living in Farmington
July 7, 6:30 p.m., Fairfield Village in Layton
August 11, 4 p.m., Whisper Cove in Kaysville
July 30- New deadline to register for the Celebration concert
August 17-20 School Lesson Schedule begins
August 21 - Folk and Family, Gailey Park, 7 p.m.
October 10- Celebration Concert

Long version:
If you have missed any lessons this semester, please sign up for at least one makeup lesson! Use the same spreadsheet to sign up for summer lessons. Sign up for at least 6 lessons, but there are 11 weeks offered, so sign up for as many as you'd like! 
If you have submitted a graduation video, you are good to come to the Graduation Concert. Some of the comments have been slow to come through, but every one of my students passed. The rehearsal is on May 1 at 1955 S. 350 E., Kaysville, Utah. Parents must stay with their student.


Twinkles
3:10
3:25
10

Gossec
3:25
3:35
10

Boccherini
3:35
3:45
10

Bach Bouree
3:45
3:55
15

Vivaldi a
3:55
4:10
15

Vivaldi g
4:10
4:25
15

LaFolia
4:25
4:40
20


The Concert is on Monday, May 4, at the Ogden Tabernacle. Arrive at 6:30, performance begins at 7. The Suzuki Association of Utah will be holding Celebration XI on October 24 (possibly October 11). Celebration concerts are incredible events held approximately every five years. They are big productions featuring multiple instruments (not just violin!). Registration closes by the end of the month. Sign up here. (Scroll to the bottom of the webpage.)


Check the website: smithcreekviolin.com for dates, group times, and more! The password is suzukitwinkle
If you are not feeling well or need an online lesson, we will use this link in May. This option is also available on bad weather days if you are unable to drive. 


More Important Dates here

Practice/Performance Tips
I loved this quick video  from famous classical violinist, Hilary Hahn. She shares a lot of great wisdom, but I particularly love this thought. 

"The negative pressure to constantly improve technique and seek perfection is only helpful in short bursts towards specific goals. And then you need to open your mind up and just be nice to yourself."

When learning a difficult skill, it is easy to constantly see where you are falling short. This kind of focus can be helpful when not overused. You need to practice small spots with intense focus on one improvement, but that's just one small part of practice and playing an instrument. Make sure you practice play-throughs and performances with the joy of music in mind. Work hard and have fun. 

This advice might also apply to larger time scales. When preparing for a recital, we might be especially picky about technique and polish, practicing longer and more intensely than usual. But you shouldn't try to sustain that constantly. Keep practicing during the busy month of May and through the summer, but make sure you take breaks!
Listening Suggestion


In honor of springtime and bird song, listen to the incredible Lark Ascending for solo violin and orchestra. ​