Blog #108 Get Ready for Your Suzuki Play-In: Summer Review/Upgrade Practice Punch Cards!
- Christy | the Practice Pro
- Aug 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 10
By Christy | the Practicing Pro
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!
Summer is half over, and that familiar back-to-school energy is building. Here at Scotia Suzuki School of Music, we're gearing up for our back to school play-in event – that magical moment when your child gets to share their music with friends, feel confident for returning back to regular lessons, after summer’s adventures, and celebrate how far they've come together.
But here's what I'm hearing from you: "Is my child ready? Have we kept up enough with practice over the summer? Will they feel confident walking into the play-in?"
If you're nodding along, take a deep breath. You're not alone in this, and there's still time to get your young musician feeling prepared and excited.
Why These Punch Cards Work So Well
After 40 years of watching children in music lessons, I've noticed something that might surprise you: the students who light up during group classes are the same ones who regularly revisit their familiar pieces at home. When your child can sit at the piano or lift their violin with that quiet confidence, knowing they can play their favorite songs beautifully, something magical happens. They feel proud, capable, and eager to share their music with others.
On the flip side, when review practice gets pushed aside (and we've all been there!), children often feel uncertain in group settings. They might tell you they don't want to go to group class or that it's "boring" – but what they're really expressing is that uncomfortable feeling of not being quite ready to play with their peers.
Your Role in Creating Musical Joy
Here's what I want you to know: the simple act of ensuring your child listens to and plays their review songs regularly is the most powerful thing you can do to help them fall in love with music. When practice feels easy and manageable at home, everything else flows naturally.
That's where these punch cards come in. They transform what could feel like a chore into a game that you and your child can enjoy together.
How the Punch Card Magic Works
You'll find this system refreshingly simple:
Print your punch cards from Practicing Pro.
Set a goal to complete each card together.
Reward your child with a special outing when they finish (remember, your time and attention are the most meaningful rewards)
Whether it's a trip to the beach, a movie afternoon, or sharing ice cream on a sunny day, these small celebrations create positive memories around practice time. Even if you don't consider yourself the "fun parent," this is your chance to surprise your child – and yourself – with how enjoyable practice can become.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Print the card that matches the songs your child has already learned and should be reviewing. For example, if they're working on the second song in Book 3, you'll want cards 1A, 1B, and 2. Don't print card 3 yet – instead, use our blank card to add the songs they're currently reviewing, plus any special pieces outside the Suzuki repertoire that they love to play.
What This Means for Your Family
When you use these punch cards, you're not just preparing for a play-in – you're building your child's musical foundation in a way that feels good for both of you. You'll watch their shoulders relax as familiar melodies become second nature. You'll see them reach for their instrument with eagerness instead of reluctance. And come play-in day, you'll feel that wonderful parent pride as your child shares their music with confidence and joy.
FREE Resources for You
Colored Punch Cards
Colored Violin Punch Cards PDF
Colored Piano Punch Cards PDF
Colored Cello Punch Cards PDF
Colored Guitar Punch Cards PDF
Colored Vocal Punch Cards PDF
Colored Wee Violin Punch Cards PDFBlack and White Punch Cards
Black and White Violin Punch Cards PDF
Black and White Piano Punch Cards PDF
Black and White Cello Punch Cards PDF
Black and White Guitar Punch Cards PDF
Black and White Vocal Punch Cards PDF
Black and White Wee Violin Punch Cards PDF
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