Here are some practice tips from other H-E-B Suuzuki Strings parents like you. These are ways they have found that help during the "dreaded practice time" each day.

Websites:

• http://www.practicespot.com/

Time management:

• Practice in the a.m. - maybe 10 min.
• Pick a practice time, make it the same each day
• Make practice part of daily routine (including homework)
• Set time to practice every day
• Use kitchen timer (10 minutes ... break)
• Be flexible with practice times

Remove distractions:

• Turn off the TV
• Practice space (varied vs. consistent)

Rewards:

• Promise something after practice (TV, Cartoons, Playstation Games)
• Offer small rewards after reaching a goal or goal minutes
  (i.e. Mississippi and get ice cream)
• Balance a chocolate "kiss" on violin (child eats upon successful practice)
• Add stickers to charts or food charts for a good practice
• Bribery! (pennies)
• Reward method (bean jar/full or empty)

Praise the child:

• Gather family members for a "concert"
• Call a radio station to play
• Show off night
• Playing for friends

Child "in-charge":

• Let child "teach" the parent/sibling/friend about the violin
• Let child pick order of practice components
• Compete with siblings
• Let them choose practice time (earlier the better, treat like homework)

Make it fun:

• Let them have fun being creative
• Free play before practice session (warm up)
• Practice-activated T-shirt (no chores during while worn)
• Playing in different environments (i.e. outdoors, park, backyard)
• Turn practice session into game
• Keep it "Personal Time"

Be supportive:

• Don't be too critical
• Gently remind them of their posture
• Practice in front of a mirror
• Purchase a music stand
• Facial expression (error mode)
• Finish practice with something they do well or like
• Practicing on table, keeping elbow off table (if it drops, you're tired)

Use additional music related references:

• Clap the rhythm before playing
• Play along with another instrument
• Listen to CD with child on lap, move hand to rhythm or pat their back
• Take advantage of institutes/workshops
• Videos (try to be like person)
• Listen to violin music repeatedly

1. Handle the instrument and bow with extreme care. Never bump or jar the instrument, even while it is in its case. The instrument is fragile and could go out of adjustment or break.
2. Keep the instrument and bow clean. Wipe the rosin and fingerprints off the instrument with a soft cloth after you finish playing.
3. When you are finished playing put the instrument and bow back in its case and zip or close the case.
4. Never leave your instrument in the car or expose it to high heat, extreme cold, or let it get it wet. The instrument may develop cracks or come unglued and need to be repaired. If it is uncomfortable for you it is also bad for your instrument.
5. Don’t bump the bridge on anything!
6. Check your bridge to see that it is standing up straight. If it is leaning, tell me and I will fix it.
7. Never polish the instrument with furniture polish.
8. Do not use glue or tape on any part of your instrument.
9. Do not put anything in the case with the instrument except what was meant to be there – even papers and music.
10. No one but the string student and home teacher should handle the instrument, including friends, brothers and sisters.
11. Never lend the instrument to anyone.
12. Do not attempt your own repairs. Only an expert repairman has the skill and experience to do a good job.
13. Always tell your teacher when something happens to your instrument or you notice that it sounds “different”.
14. Never stand cellos up to store them, always place them on their sides.
15. Always keep the cello endpin in when you are not playing your cello.

1. Bows break. Do not drop your bow or hit anything or anyone with it.
2. Tighten your bow before playing – about 7 times – until the hair is not touching the stick. The stick must still have a curve in it.
3. When finished playing loosen the bow – the same number turns you tightened it – this will save you money on bow rehairs.
4. Rosin your bow before playing.
5. Do not touch the bow hair. We have oil in our skin and it makes the bow hair unable to play.
6. Always put the bow back in the case after playing.

September, 2003

Dear HEB Suzuki Strings Parent,

The Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Board of Trustees and administration are very pleased with the progress that has been accomplished by the Suzuki students in three short years. Starting with seven outstanding teachers, and then adding your excited children on top of that support that each of you are committing to the program, we have a winning team.

However, I want to encourage you to do one more thing -- join and be active in the HEB Suzuki Strings Booster Club. Why is this important? Every quality program in this school district, sports or fine arts, has an active booster club. Not just to raise money to support the activities, but also to ensure the continued success of the program.

Speaking candidly, the Suzuki Strings program in HEB ISD enjoys the complete support of the present board of education and central administration. But board members and superintendents come and go and the Suzuki program is only three years old. It will be eight more years before the first strings student will graduate from high school. A strong HEB Suzuki Strings Booster Club will provide the ongoing support necessary for the strings program to develop a strong, deep foundation.

Please join and stay active in the HEB Suzuki Strings Booster Club.

Sincerely,
Gene Buinger, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools