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#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


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


#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


#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


#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


#94 Summer Music Survival Guide: 13 Practice Tips
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.

Christy | the Practice Pro
May 29, 20233 min read


#92 Why Adults & Seniors Need to Take Music Lessons
Things to bring you happiness and a full life as an adult and senior. Free printable PDF on taking music lessons and getting to art classes

Christy | the Practice Pro
May 1, 20237 min read


#91 My Secrets to Getting and Keeping Adults playing Music - part 2 of 3
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

Christy | the Practice Pro
Apr 17, 20237 min read


#90 My Secrets to Getting and Keeping Adults playing Music - part 1 of 3
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

Christy | the Practice Pro
Mar 21, 20237 min read


#88 6 Strategies to Bond with Your Student
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

Christy | the Practice Pro
Feb 6, 202310 min read


#87 The worst and best way to use Stickers in Teaching & Practicing
Creating consistent, effective, and enjoyable daily music practicing and teaching routine with stickers awards for each reached goals.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jan 16, 202315 min read


#86 5 Experiments to Motivate your child to Practice in a Challenge
Stay motivated through music practice challenge! Sign up and download the free chart and keep your young musician practicing.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Jan 15, 20234 min read


#85 4 Ways to Have Guilt-free Practicing Over the Holidays
Keep guilt-free music practice going during the holidays! Simple strategies to maintain momentum during busy seasons without adding stress to your family.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Dec 5, 20227 min read


#84 My Easiest and Favourite Way to Motivate Hard Work in Practice
Make music practice time fun with these creative pom poms and feather games and activities! Engaging ideas to motivate your child and transform daily practice into playtime.

Christy | the Practice Pro
Nov 21, 20226 min read


#79 Queen Elizabeth II - 5 Ways She Is An Inspiration to Us All
By Christy | The Practicing Pro www.ScotiaSuzuki.org You can also W atch / Listen to the Live HERE On Sept 8th, 2022, the world’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died aged 96. She was a symbol of steadfast courage and hope. I grew up with a Queen I know as “Queen Elizabeth.” We can learn many things from Queen Elizabeth II and her life. When I decided to do a Blog and activity in honour of her at our school, I started by taking out a piece of paper and writ

Christy | the Practice Pro
Sep 18, 20225 min read
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