Comparisons with other students in the studio

I recently gave a parent talk in my studio that prompted me to write this short blog post about comparisons in the studio and not getting discouraged by comparing our worst moments with other people’s best moments . . . I hope it is as helpful to you as it was to the parents in my studio. . . I would love your comments :) link

Thank you for sharing!

https://suzukitriangle.wordpress.com/ This is a great blog created by Christine Goodner of Hillsboro Oregon. Not only does she talk about the problem of “negative comparisons” in the studio, recitals and institutes, but as you scroll down through the blog entries you will find many insights on many topics. I think we should give Ms. Goodner a big thank you for her generosity in making all this available to us through this blog. Thank you, Christine!

I have shared the link to your blog to the North York Suzuki School of Music’s Facebook Page.

With confidence that it will be helpful to many of us!

Elizabeth

What a wonderful message to read—it is my pleasure! Thank you Elizabeth!!

I try to tell my kids not to compare themselves with the other kids. We all have our own individual learning style and time frame! My kids work slow but polish the piece like a sparkling diamond. You can not rush them, they balk against that especially with Art or Music work. So other kids who are faster will be faster and that has to be OK.

When asked, “what are you working on?” I encourage the student to respond with, tone or my bow hold, etc. Often comparing what piece you are working on is irrelevant since pieces can be played very well or not very well.