Scotia Suzuki School of Music

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

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

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

It's time to register for SEPTEMBER classes at the ACAC (Adult Community Arts Centre in Halifax). Your favourite classes and teachers from l

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

Make music practice fun with this creative activity! A hands-on way to help your child work through their practice list with love.

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

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

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.

Make practice time fun with these creative music memory games and activities! Engaging ideas to motivate your child and transform daily practice into playtime.

Start your summer music practice on a high note! Get tips and the Survival Guide to keep your child practicing during vacation. Free printable included.

Help your child overcome performance anxiety! Gentle strategies to build confidence and make recitals a positive experience for young musicians and love performing.

Things to bring you happiness and a full life as an adult and senior. Free printable PDF on playing music lessons and starting to art classes

Build a goal-setting guide that actually works! Step-by-step guidance on creating consistent, effective, and enjoyable start of music practice.

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

Get ready for summer camp registration! Everything you need to know about preparing your child for a Suzuki or music summer camp experience.

Keep guilt-free music practice going during the holidays! Simple strategies to maintain momentum during busy seasons without adding stress to your family.