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#116 What Stays When Everything Goes
Research shows 85% of music students develop better persistence & character are the top benefits of Music Lessons. Why families keep music lessons even when budgets are tight.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Dec 19, 20256 min read


#115 Two Easy Cotton Holiday Music Practice Activities to Keep December Practicing Joyful
Download free Santa and Snowman PDFs for a fun holiday music practice activity! Perfect for Suzuki families — track daily practice with cotton balls and encourage kids to share music with others.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Dec 5, 20255 min read


#113 Halloween Listening Challenge: Watch Your Students Transform One Link at a Time
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org Hey! Can I share something with you that's going to change the way you think about teaching music? Right now, you might be focused on getting your students to practice more, drilling technique, pushing through repertoire. But what if I told you there's something even more powerful you could be doing - and it only takes five or more minutes a day? Why Your Students Need to Listen First Here's what Dr. Suzuki figured out in t

Christy | the Practice Pro
Oct 13, 20258 min read


#112 The Hidden Brain Connection: Why Crossing the Midline is Crucial for Young Musicians
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org You know how sometimes you watch a child at the piano and they're doing this awkward thing where they refuse to let their left hand cross over to the right side of the keyboard? Or maybe you've noticed your violin student gets all tangled up when they try to bow across different strings? Well, there's actually a really fascinating reason behind this, and once you understand it, so many things about children and what they ne

Christy | the Practice Pro
Aug 21, 20256 min read


#111 New 100-Day IRISH themed Practicing Challenge to Inspire Your Young Musician
By Christy | Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org As a music teacher and the owner of a big music school, I've seen firsthand the struggles that students and parents face when it comes to consistent, effective practicing. Whether finding the time, creating a routine, or keeping practice sessions engaging, the required daily practice for music lessons can sometimes feel more like a chore than a joy. That's why I'm so excited to share a new 100-day practicing challenge I've cre

Christy | the Practice Pro
Mar 19, 20255 min read


#110 Keeping Your Teen Musicians Motivated: Navigating any Challenging Years
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org Remember that bright-eyed young violinist who couldn't wait for practice time (at least most days)? Now they are teens, and suddenly getting them to pick up their instrument some days feels like moving mountains. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. As both a teacher and mentor to other teachers, parents and teen musicians, I've seen this transformation happen - and I've learned how to help young people stay connect

Christy | the Practice Pro
Feb 19, 20255 min read


Blog #109 From “I Want” to “I Give”: Sharing Music as a Gift at Christmas
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org The holidays often revolve around wish lists and surprises under the tree, but what if we shifted the focus this season? By using your child’s hard-earned musical skills as a way to give to others, you can nurture not only their talent but also their gratitude and joy in sharing. When children practice their instruments daily, they aren’t just improving their technique—they’re creating something special. Encouraging them to

Christy | the Practice Pro
Dec 2, 20244 min read


Blog #108 Get Ready for Your Suzuki Play-In: Summer Review/Upgrade Practice Punch Cards!
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org You asked for it, and here it is again! Last summer's punch card system was such a hit with families that we're bringing it back for another round. Your children loved the excitement of punching their cards, and you loved seeing their confidence bloom as they prepared for our annual Suzuki play-in to kick off the new school year at Scotia Suzuki School - and I'll share it with you too! Easy, convenient and ready to go! Summ

Christy | the Practice Pro
Aug 15, 20244 min read


#107 Pipe cleaners activity for a Clean Sweep at Practicing!
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org Summer is here and halfway gone, and I know many of you are enjoying your well-deserved relaxation and fun. However, keeping up with your musical practice is also important. Even though regular lessons might pause for a few months, keeping routine and practicing habits can make a huge difference when you return to lessons in the fall. Here’s how to keep the momentum going and make practice enjoyable during the rest of your

Christy | the Practice Pro
Aug 6, 20245 min read


#106 Transforming Stage Fright into Stage Delight: A Guide for Parents and Teacher
Help your child shine at their next recital! Step-by-step preparation tips for parents and young musicians to feel confident and ready to perform on stage.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jun 21, 20244 min read


#105 Love Caterpillar Activity and How to Learn Music Faster
Make music practice fun with this creative activity! A hands-on way to help your child work through their practice list with love.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jan 15, 20247 min read


#104 Which Practice Parent or Music Teacher Are You?
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org You can also Watch LIVE/HERE Take the 2- minute Music personality TYPE quiz HERE for Music Teachers and Practicing Parents. Why is it important to know your practice parenting or music teaching personality type? WHY? Start with a story: I got to go to the Wizarding World for two days with my husband, Mark. Wow, it was so fun! One of my favourite parts of being there was trying out the spells and watching others practice an

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jan 11, 20247 min read


#102 What to do with a Strong - Willed Child in Music Practice?
By Christy | the Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org You can also Watch/ LIVE HERE The opinionated and headstrong child can be so hard to parent and even harder to manage a daily home music practice with. I like to call these little people TUMBLEWEEDS. Have you seen or held a tumbleweed before? You have to be so careful - they are surprisingly hard and sharp. So, Imagine a tumbleweed rolling across the arid plains, unstoppable and resolute in its journey. Similarly, tumblewe

Christy | the Practice Pro
Dec 4, 20236 min read


#101 Goal-Getter's Guide: Awards and Goals in the Musical Journey
Build a goal-setting guide that actually works! Step-by-step guidance on creating consistent, effective, and enjoyable daily music practice with awards for each reached goals

Christy | the Practice Pro
Nov 13, 20238 min read


#100 Santa's Growing Beard: A Festive Way to Keep December Practicing Productive
Make music practice fun this holiday with this creative Santa's beard activity! A hands-on way to help your child work through their practice list with the festivities.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Nov 6, 20235 min read


#99 Creative Halloween-themed practice ideas to make practice more fun
Halloween is almost here! Check out spooky music practice activity and upcoming events at Scotia Suzuki School in Halifax. Get ready for musical fun!

Christy | the Practice Pro
Oct 23, 20236 min read


#98 How to ACHIEVE your goal successfully!
Build a goal-setting guide that actually works! Step-by-step guidance on creating consistent, effective, and enjoyable daily music practice with awards for each reached goals

Christy | the Practice Pro
Sep 25, 20238 min read


#97 Back to school practice success with these 3 things “WCC”
Download this free one-sheet word poster for music practice! Help your child stay motivated during the 3 WCC tips!

Christy | the Practice Pro
Sep 11, 20237 min read


#96 Easy games to play with music flashcards
Make music practice time fun with these creative games and flash card activities! Engaging ideas to motivate your child and transform daily practice into playtime.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jul 31, 20235 min read


#95 Music Magic: Strengthen note reading with these fun memory games
Make practice time fun with these creative music memory games and activities! Engaging ideas to motivate your child and transform daily practice into playtime.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jun 19, 20239 min read
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