European Suzuki Association - Teachers Newsletter Vol 38 2018

25 Michelle had prepared a special pro- gram for piano teachers during the workshop to encourage Suzuki piano students’ group playing and advertise the Baltic Suzuki Piano One-Day Work- shop. There were sessions for piano teachers to exchange experiences, take part in play-togethers, watch videos and take part in a panel discussion on ‘How to Start Group Piano Lessons’. Observation of workshop lessons was also part of the event. I am grateful to have witnessed the unique process of the growth of a sim- ple idea which started from a ‘seed of inspiration’ on a cold day in January 2014. Throughout these years, the development has been apparent in many ways. Suzuki violin teachers say that it’s nor- mal to play violin in groups. Actually - it’s the same for piano. Historically, it has been somehow easier for other Suzuki instruments to team-play than for Suzuki pianists. There may be a difference in size and mobility of the instrument, but the nature of all children is the same. The one-day workshop format All participating students experience a warm and supportive environment during these group piano workshops as well as motivation to master their workshop performance pieces and a desire to work on the next pieces after the workshop. The one-day workshop format can be a child’s very first experi- ence of international communication with other children through music and play-together. The cooperation of teachers before such a workshop is essential, espe- cially when preparing the schedule for such a limited time as a one-day workshop. This involves teacher’s Skype sessions to agree repertoire and details, as well as agreements on who is leading the lessons. I encourage piano teachers to make contact with colleagues abroad, espe- cially when their national Suzuki asso- ciation is young or there are not many Suzuki piano teachers around. With the borders between countries so much more open, I urge each and every piano teacher to initiate or participate in the bigger picture of the Suzuki movement. The Suzuki spirit, development and well-being of our students is all that matters in the longer term. Children love playing music together. Children love after concert ‘birthday cake’. Teachers love their ‘after con- cert’ dinner together. A friendly at- mosphere for participating students, together with the courage and expe- rience that they gain in playing to- gether in international groups posi- tively affects students’ self-esteem. Teachers can start a new collabora- tive idea during their discussions over dinner. The one-day workshop format may be a challenging experience for teachers. Any teacher involved in such an event learns a great deal about international organisational skills, how to work together with col- leagues from other countries, how to manage in a lesson with a group of students where nobody speaks your native language, the importance of preparing their students for such an intense and short period of the one- day workshop. As for the teaching process, everybody uploads inter- esting ideas for everyday work, but also strengthens the feeling that your own work is important and special. The Suzuki Method™ has always been involved in crossing borders. Let there be various options. Let there be big International Workshops with “star teachers” and unique Grand Concerts in exceptional ven- ues. Let there be also smaller region- al events which cross borders, with even more possibilities for local teach- ers and students to work as an inter- national team. A meeting of two to three cross-border Suzuki piano groups is a good start. This may be the beginning of a larger process where each participant – student, parent or teacher – can feel the power of music as an effective tool in connecting peo- ple across national borders. In the year of Dr. S. Suzuki’s 120th birthday anniversary, I’d like to thank all those teachers who have been attending in Baltic Suzuki Piano Work- shops throughout these 5 years and received inspiration and encourage- ment for Suzuki pianists’ group les- sons. Estonia Janne Vasser Latvia Kristine Ravina Tamara Gzibovska Finland Niina Haapanen Maria Heinonen Tiina Puumalainen Risto Kytö Lithuania Sabine Kalibataite Deja Aukstkalnyte Switzerland Michelle Post Also special thanks to— Niina for sharing videos of group les- sons for Emmetten, Tiina, Deja and Michelle for sharing their thoughts for this article. Tiina for sharing photos of the Tampe- re Workshop. Crossing Borders - Baltic Suzuki Piano Sirje Subb-Tamm Group Lesson Teaching Exchange Emmetten, Switzerland 11—13 May 2018 Twinkle Cake, Pärnu, Estonia 2014