Looking for Suzuki violin group class ideas? You have come to the right place as I have dedicated this section of the blog to Suzuki Violin ideas and sharing what I’ve learned about teaching Suzuki violin classes.

In our previous posts we had lost of ideas on different group class activities. However a much needed topic is how to better engage the parents in the Suzuki violin group class.

 

Suzuki Violin Group Class Ideas – How to Involve The Parents More Effectively In Suzuki Violin Group Classes

 

You require Suzuki parents to come to Suzuki violin group classes and private lessons. You have then go though Suzuki parent education. And then…they all come to class with their Ipads and smart phones. They are physically there but they are not engaged in the Suzuki group class.

Sounds familiar?

I teach at the University of New Mexico Suzuki Lab School. I see this much too often. Some parents come and are very involved in the lesson. Others simply cannot get away from their technology. As a Suzuki trained teacher it is my job to find a positive and respectful way to bring these parents back into their child’s learning.

The trick: Instead of expecting them to be involved, YOU need to engage your parents to be a part of the Suzuki violin group class. Involving them directly in the lesson is a much better way to go about your Suzuki group class ideas.

 

• Have parents become a part of the Suzuki activities. Some simple ways to do that are: ask parents to respond to a piece in a certain way. For example, if the kids have played in tune, the parents would be instructed to clap at the end. If the kids have moved their elbows (or any other technical element) then the parents should give their child a “thumbs up” after the piece has been played. This is a simple activity that helps the positive structure of the class. At the same time, it makes the parents having to actively engage and listen to their children play.
• Play games where the students rotate between the parents. For example, the Suzuki violin group class may be working on dynamic changes on a specific piece. Then instead of playing as a group, the students would need to demonstrate that skill for at least two parents who have been asked to volunteer. Then can have “stations” around the room testing students on that specific skill. This is a great way to get more practice one specific Suzuki musical element without getting the students bored. it beaks up the pacing of the lesson and provides a different opportunity for more practice. It also makes the parents once around and actively help you in the process.
• Have them clap or tap the beat for older students who are doing note reading activities or learning how to stay together while playing.
• Have the parents in a Suzuki group class listen to one or more pieces performed by the students. Then ask them to come up to a student who IS NOT their own child. Ask them to congratulate that child on something specific that they did well..That could be watching the leader, following others’ bows, good posture, etc. This is a great COMMUNITY builder in your studio or program. It makes the parents shift the focus off of their own child and work on building a classroom community.

 

Related Articles About Suzuki Violin Group Class Ideas:

How To Teach Small Suzuki Violin Group Classes

Easter Games for Suzuki Violin Group Classes

St Patrick’s Suzuki Violin Group Class Activities

Star Wars Activities for Suzuki and Beginning String Classes

Suzuki Violin Game Idea for The First Class After a Break

The Suzuki Method-a Guide for Parents