NZSI Newsletter 1986 March Volume 8
Editorial – Christine Mackenzie
An invitation to assist with the newsletter’s management and a glimpse into the editor’s busy life.
Dates for Your Diary
A comprehensive list of upcoming Suzuki-related events and training sessions.
Suggested Aims and Guidelines for Conferences – NZSI Executive
Outlines the purpose and planning procedures for conferences, camps, and workshops.
Teacher Accreditation: The Old & The New – NZSI Executive
Updates on transitioning to the new accreditation scheme for Suzuki teachers.
Advice from the Piano Department – Margaret Crawshaw
Tips for reducing tension and building confidence in music students.
Report on the Graduation Tapes – Barbara Ker
Reflections on submitted tapes and recommendations for improvement.
Auckland Teacher Training Update – Margaret Vujcich
Highlights from a teacher training session, focusing on Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy and practice techniques.
Executive Updates – NZSI Executive
Insights into executive decisions, including equipment purchases and conference planning.
Hawke’s Bay Branch Report – Don Anderson
A review of 1985 activities, including play-ins, community outreach, and upcoming plans.
Reflections After String Camp – Ingram Family
Personal highlights and gratitude for a successful Suzuki camp.
Rotorua Hot Pools Reflection – Christine Vogt
A heartfelt recount of Suzuki String Camp and its influence on a young participant.
Advertising as a Suzuki Method Teacher – NZSI Executive
A call for teachers to update their accreditation details for official records.
Rather than bore you with a lot of piffle, I thank those people who showed an interest in running this magazine, especially the two ‘teams’ who got as far as applying. It’s reassuring to know that there are some really talented people out there, but disappointing that their lives are already crammed full of activities.
I too have a crammed life, with full-time University again this year, my ongoing commitment to my husband and our three children, and my hobbies like practicing the violin, sewing, knitting for the family, and the occasional run.
To this end, I make a plea to you out there — surely someone can fit in the typing, collating, assembling, or posting of the Newsletter. I’d really like to train someone on the ‘philosophy’ side of it. After August and the AGM, I would hope that such a person would stand for nomination as Editor and by right become an Executive member.
Enough of that — I’ve commenced a column that is an outline of the Executive meetings — for your edification. As with a lot of groups, this Executive has its ups and downs. Sometimes people can get so wound up that compromise seems impossible. Nevertheless, we are all adults who have embraced the Suzuki philosophy of love and nurturing talent. Such differences are usually short-lived. We also value democracy — thus striving to fulfill the aims of the majority.
Sounds idealistic? Well, being human, we can but try — as Suzuki says — Practice!!
Love to you all,
Ed.
Suggested Aims and Guidelines for the Planning of Conferences, Camps, and Workshops
Aims
- Conferences
- Teacher Training: Using both local trainers and bringing tutors from overseas for teacher training, in-service training, and accreditation of trainees.
- Regular AGM: Providing a time to hold the AGM.
- Student Benefits: Giving students in different areas the opportunity to benefit from the gathering of local and overseas tutors.
- Camps
- Student Motivation: Encouraging enthusiasm and motivation.
- Teacher Training: Some teacher training may occur if overseas tutors are available.
- Workshops
- Teacher Training: Providing training or instruction to students on a more local basis.
Guidelines
- A coordinator is to be appointed by the Executive.
- A sub-committee, including a teacher trainer, a teacher, and a parent, is to be formed.
- Dates, venues, and overseas tutors are suggested by the sub-committee, teacher training committee, or members, with the final selection made by the Executive.
- Financial steps must be approved by the Treasurer.
- All correspondence and decisions are managed by the coordinator.
- Tutors’ and registration fees are agreed upon by the Executive after budget approval.
- Programmes and evaluation reports are submitted to the Secretary within six weeks of the event for future reference.
- Participants should be NZSI members, and events should be open to all members.
Teacher Accreditation — The Old & The New
There has been some confusion between Teacher Trainers and Teacher Trainees over this matter.
At a recent Executive meeting (March 1, 1986), the Executive restated the policy that teachers in training prior to August 1985 may, if they wish, complete the step they were working on at that time under the OLD scheme. However, they may transfer to the NEW scheme or incorporate aspects of it if they so wish.
A TIME LIMIT has now been set for accreditation in the OLD scheme. NO APPLICATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION UNDER THE OLD SCHEME WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER JANUARY 31, 1987.
Advice from the Piano Department
Margaret Crawshaw — Teacher Trainer NZSI
One of the biggest problems teachers encounter in music students is tension. From the very first lessons, both teacher and parent must constantly watch for any signs of stiffness or tightness. Most teachers now provide footstools at lessons, but do all parents make sure that the children have the same facility in their daily practice at home? A few books can be an adequate substitute. The height of the chair or stool is very important, as is the distance the child sits from the piano. Many children sit too close to the keyboard, thus restricting the movement of the arms.
There are many causes of tension, and undoubtedly one cause can be “uncertainty.” Dr. Suzuki emphasizes the need for constant review so that there is always some repertoire that is ‘polished’ and ‘repolished,’ enabling the child to play with confidence and without anxiety. For the same reason, he stipulates that ‘graduation’ pieces should only be presented after both these and some of the later repertoire have been thoroughly learned and revised.
I believe, in both concerts and workshops, too many children are presenting pieces that have only just been studied and, indeed, in some cases quite inadequately prepared. The attitude that “as long as the child enjoys himself” is not, in my opinion, in accordance with Suzuki philosophy. If students do not develop good practice habits and aim for realistic goals in the early stages, they will eventually become disillusioned and disinterested.
It takes tremendous thought and understanding by both teacher and parent to provide an environment where music will be a joy to the child, and where there is motivation and encouragement to make steady progress in the acquisition of musical and technical skills.
Executive Updates
NZSI Executive
This new column is provided for your edification. It purports to be objective.
- Some discussion was spent on a letter that had been circulated by a N.Z. Teacher Trainer in Australia, telling Australian tutors that the next Conference would be boycotted by the NZ Teacher Trainers. The Executive was concerned that the letter implied its (the Executive’s) support and that the information given was misleading.
- The Teacher Trainer sub-committee was disbanded as there is nothing major that needs such a committee to discuss, but care has been taken to tell the Teacher Trainers that they are encouraged to approach the Executive at any time to discuss any matter they choose. (It should also be noted by members that there are three TT’s on the Executive representing piano and violin.)
- Tanya Dyett was accredited Step 1 violin, and Win Bickerstaff Step 2 violin.
- It was agreed that there should be a time limit for applications for accreditation under the old Teacher Training scheme. No applications will be considered after January 31, 1987.
- April 15 is the deadline for teachers submitting records of their training for the purposes of official records and publicity as a Suzuki teacher.
- Gwen Matara has expressed interest in forming a Fijian sub-group. The Executive encourages this.
- A Sony Super 8 video camera has been purchased by the NZSI, which is to be in the care of Don Mackenzie and used for making educational videos at workshops and conferences, etc. There are very stringent guidelines for use as this is a valuable piece of equipment.
- The possibility of the Brissendens coming over to workshop in May was discussed and is being followed up.
- It has become imperative that adequate and accurate records be kept. A computer is to be purchased for this and to serve to update the very old typewriter the Institute owns.
- Tutors for Conference ’86 have been approved. Those to be invited are:
- Kathy Shelhart — cello
- Eric Mitchell — piano teacher training
- Nehama Patkin — piano repertoire & music/movement
- Yasuki Nakamura — violin.
- William Starr proposes to visit Australia in January 1987. The NZSI is going to attempt to bring him to N.Z. from January 25, 1987, for the next Summer String Camp at Rotorua.
Hawke’s Bay Branch Report
Don Anderson
1985 was a big year for Suzuki music in Hawke’s Bay. Notably, it saw the formation of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Institute at an inaugural General Meeting held in June.
There were many and varied musical experiences to make the year an exciting one. Some of these were described in previous newsletters — the musical trundling through the streets of Napier; the piano activities as Mayme Earle reported on.
Play-ins, big and small, during the year kept interest well-fuelled as well as giving children the chance to meet other members. The Branch has embarked on a policy of sending out small groups of players for appropriate audiences in the community. One such group who visited the elderly to play for them enjoyed a warm and appreciative audience. And the visit to the IHC ended in the same way.
One concern is that we have not yet succeeded in marrying string and piano in regular events. There are difficulties, but the committee has an earnest desire to overcome them. Any suggestions will be welcomed.
Napier string teachers will be combining with Vicki Wallis’s piano students at a get-together at Henry Hill School on Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m.
The Hawke’s Bay Education Board Public Concert has become a big event each year for the string players. A large number of Suzuki players fronted the challenge of performing to a large, appreciative audience. Another highlight for string players was the picnic/play-in at Otane. Thirty-two players made a great sound in the woolshed.
A good number of Hawke’s Bay people participated in the String Summer Camp at Keswick. Feedback from participants has been favourable, to say the least, and Hawke’s Bay passes on a vote of thanks to the organisers. Long may it continue.
Organisation for the 1986 Suzuki Institute Conference to be held in Napier is getting into full swing. Local members can expect to be buttonholed for all kinds of assistance. All members have received details for enrolment with this newsletter. Please fill in the form and return as soon as possible.
Reflections After String Camp
Ingram Family
Each Suzuki Camp & Conference has its own special atmosphere and memorable moments. But this one will certainly be the most memorable for us as it was a pleasure in so many ways. From the moment of arrival, seeing that grand new addition to the main building of the camp; Gill and company’s cheerful greetings; familiar and new faces settled in excited anticipation of five days of…what?
We had some previous experience from past camps, but the main tutor (an American professor) was the unknown quantity. And I would say, for us, that we were absolutely bewitched. Suzuki Summer String Camp ’86 was a blatant love affair with all our tutors, but most especially with the Prof. We came, we listened, we were enchanted, we were bewitched, AND we LEARNED!
During five days of so-so weather outside, the atmosphere inside was exciting, bustling, and charged-up. John Kendall from Illinois (“It doesn’t rain where I come from”) inspired us and passed on some incredible energy to us. One only had to listen to the play-in on Monday and then the concert on Friday evening to hear and see the improvement.
The fun concert Friday night was a master’s teaching. Every single point he had emphasized to us during those five days (“Don’t move a muscle,” “Don’t make it as flat as Illinois”) was echoed back to him. If ever anyone wishes to see the effectiveness of his teaching, have a fun concert at the end and see what comes forth.
It was magic!
The thanks have been given in many ways at the camp, but added to our thanks is a request for more of the same… please?
Rotorua Hot Pools Reflection
Christine Vogt
Those of us who were lucky enough to attend the Suzuki String Camp this year will have absorbed a powerful dose of Suzuki spirit to spur us on.
As an enthused pre-twinkler mum, together with my wee son, I listened to and observed dozens of little ones and less little ones briskly wielding bows to familiar airs:
- Before breakfast in caravans, tents, or dormitories.
- During classes in the Auditorium (with a fine, capital A), the pre-fabs, or in the tractor shed.
- During intensive Master Classes under Professor Kendall’s enthralling instruction.
- And for the rest of each day in the remotest spots on the campgrounds. Have you ever sighted the tip of a bow bobbing from the cornfield?
A particular highlight for me was the Play-in and Public Concert, with every-tiny-body aligned, “twinkling” en masse.
Back home, enriched, 3½-year-old Daniel continues to hum “Long, Long Ago,” among others; his knees kick to the rhythm of Bach’s Minuet 2, and he loves to hear replays of Professor Kendall’s “Tweeting” Z-variation of Twinkle! And when it rains, he’ll say, “Forte is too wet!”
Advertising as a Suzuki Method Teacher
NZSI Executive
The Executive is compiling an official list of Suzuki Method Teachers, and therefore all those teachers who wish to be listed are urged to send details of their training to date (such details as may have been filed elsewhere in the past decade) to the Executive, c/o P.O. Box 6058, Hamilton, by April 15, 1986.
Although only the level which has been completed and accredited will be publicly listed, the other details will be filed and will aid in the compilation of official records.
