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Blog #108 Get Ready for Your Suzuki Play-In: Summer Review/Upgrade Practice Punch Cards!



By Christy | the Practicing Pro

Summer is half over, and the new school year is fast approaching. Excitingly, here we're kicking off with a big Suzuki play-in at the Scotia Suzuki School of Music, a popular kick-off the new school year event for many Suzuki schools around the world! 

But the big question is: are you ready for back to school lessons? Have you kept up with your instrument review/upgrade practice over the summer? Are you in top shape for this thrilling “Play - In” start?

Don't worry if you need to catch up; we have a fun and motivating way to get you back on track. At Practicing Pro, we've created a punch card system for each Suzuki book to help you stay motivated and ready for the big play-in. Print them off, get punching, and be prepared to shine!

The Power of Regular Review/Upgrade

From my 40 years of teaching experience, I've seen that children who love group classes directly correspond to those students who regularly practice their review/upgrade songs at home and in lessons. These children can sit at the piano or lift their violins or cellos with confidence and joy, ready to play their favourite pieces. 

On the other hand, those who don't engage in regular review/upgrade pieces at home and in their regular lessons often need help in groups and do not want to go. They will commonly tell their parents they don't like group or it's boring when they don't know the pieces well enough even though they were mastered at one point. No matter how prepared and entertaining the group teachers are, students who aren't practicing regularly their review/upgrade songs don't feel comfortable playing their pieces, especially not with their peers. They may not enjoy group classes, which is the opposite of what we want for them.

Parents: Your Role is Crucial

Parents, the number one thing you can do to help your child love music is to ensure they listen to and play their review/upgrade songs regularly. Make it fun for them! Our previous blog post shared some great ideas, including a fun pipe cleaner activity that is easy, cheap, and super enjoyable with little preparation.

Introducing Practicing Pro Punch Cards

Our punch cards score high on the fun factor! Make a challenge out of completing the punch cards, and reward your child with a fun trip or adventure. Whether it's a day at the beach, a movie, or an ice cream outing, these small rewards can make a big difference in motivation.

If you're not naturally the "fun type" of parent, give it a try! Print off these easy punch cards and surprise your child with a special outing once they complete a card. It’s a simple way to add some fun and excitement to their review/upgrade practice routine.



Ready, Set, Punch!

Print -  your punch cards from Practicing Pro.
Set a goal -  to complete each card.
Reward -  your child with a fun outing or treat once they finish a card. (Remember your TIME is the best option)

You've got this! It's easy to print and punch. Let’s make the rest of this summer a productive and fun one, ensuring your child is ready to play confidently and joyfully in your school's upcoming Suzuki play-in.




Which card do I print??

Print the card that your child has finished learning all of the songs on and are in their current review/upgrade list. For example, if they are working on the second song in book 3, you should print cards 1A, 1B, and 2. Do not print card 3; instead, print the BLANK card and add the two songs they are reviewing/upgrading, as well as any additional songs not in the Suzuki program that they play. You can also add extra copies of the songs they need more practice on.



FREE PDF


FREE PDF




Happy practicing!


Check out my Free PDF download Checklist for a Successful Music Practice for teachers and practicing parents.

Your easy checklist for successful home music practices from Christy, the practicing pro. Whether you are a new or seasoned practice parent or music teacher, this checklist will help you organize before, during, and after practices for effective and fun practices.

INVITATION from Christy Hodder:


Speaking of amazing practices, let me tell you all about the digital course, the Practicing Pro Academy. This is for the serious practicing parents and music teachers and is an at-your-own-pace, step-by-step, online course to bring you more effective, positive, and fun home music practices. Registrants receive a special package in the mail from me, and I am with you in person with Q&As to answer all your questions.

Learn more about PPA and join the waitlist HERE for the next Practicing Pro Academy course. It's only offered once a year so you don't want to miss it. The registration will only open for a few weeks and I'll let everyone on the waitlist know immediately so that you can grab one of the spots.

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