tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468439890002165895.post3700015318502972517..comments2024-03-18T20:06:15.193-05:00Comments on TEACH SUZUKI: Should Teachers and Parents Succumb to Perfectionism?Paula E. Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790961893704898488noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468439890002165895.post-31335918198351291582015-05-04T12:56:21.236-05:002015-05-04T12:56:21.236-05:00This is a very good question, and I think everyone...This is a very good question, and I think everyone would give different answers. For me, it all depends on the student and whether I think I can get more from him or her. For example, if my student is going through one of those growth spurts that affect the brain's ability to remember things (like around ages 9 and 13), then my expectations might be lower. For me, it matters that the student plays all the correct notes and bowing. Those are always my first two steps. As for the tone quality or how nice it sounds, this seems to be one of the longest learning curves for students, so I am a lot more accepting and gracious. I find it works best if I do not allow the book graduation recital to be set until the child is able to play what I am asking for: correct notes and bowing. And memorized. For studio recitals, I begin working during the semester of the recital. We identify the recital piece, and it must be memorized at least by 1 month before the recital. On very rare occasions will I permit a student to play from music, and only in very special circumstances (child is/was ill, there is a learning disability issue that does not allow memorization). Hope this helps. I do recognize that there are many teachers out there who are absolute sticklers for perfection, but I have found this topic to be a little sticky for me. More of a balancing issue for me.Paula E. Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03790961893704898488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468439890002165895.post-54446039924478877052015-05-03T19:06:51.404-05:002015-05-03T19:06:51.404-05:00This is very good advice. My son is currently prep...This is very good advice. My son is currently preparing for a strings concert. He's practicing a piece, but it will not be anywhere near perfect in terms of being all in tune or rhythm in time for the concert. In your opinion, how "perfect" should the piece be before it is deemed performable? Realistically, how "perfect" can a piece get after only playing 18 months? Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640508220793371959noreply@blogger.com