I have to observe eight hours of other people’s Suzuki lessons as part of my Level 2 Suzuki training that I am currently doing online. This takes more than eight hours, because I have to write about the observations. And I think about what happened. Maybe order a teaching material that I didn’t have. I am learning an incredible amount of hands-on Suzuki teaching just by observing. Here are my top 10 take-aways after 2 hours of observing:
- The lesson should be organized, but it should also be flexible for the unexpected (if there’s a question or correction).
- What the teacher says is pretty important, but how she says it is even more important. Creating a sense of magic and fun is conveyed mostly by tone of voice.
- Teach to a primary piece of literature, but have lots of preliminary material that leads up to it. And have fun material afterwards that emphasize fun (like playing along with a rhythm section).
- Have a little check list that the student checks off when she is finished with something.
- Have lots of learning/teaching games, aids, toys. These help the student to remain fascinated.
- Having several people in the room at the same time interacting is a great dynamic.
- Sing a lot and have the student sing a lot. Play piano or the duet line when possible.
- Indicate what you want discretely while the student is playing. For instance, whisper the lengths of notes.
- Stay engaged the whole time.
- Have fun competitions to encourage growth.