If a child can’t learn the way we teach,
maybe we should teach the way we learn.
~ Ignacio Estrada
I have been seeing this quote circulate amongst my friends and those I follow on social media quite frequently. As I observed my children in music last week, I reflected upon the meaning of the words. It has been fascinating to watch my children progress in their music education. Each approaches their lessons in dramatically different ways, staying true to their unique personalities. We are fortunate to have a music teacher who is adept at teaching each of the kids according to their unique styles.
Sweetie is methodical and slowly works out each note and the proper fingering as she sight reads. When she first begins to learn a new song, it sounds nothing like what is written. Though the notes are generally correct, she lacks rhythm. In addition to her daily practice, she is also required to listen to the accompanying CD to hear the piece correctly (she presently uses Suzuki Violin Book & CD Volume 1
On the other hand, Buddy learns a new piece more naturally. He can be shown how to play a section of a song and after just two or three attempts, have the rhythm worked out but will hit several wrong notes. As he proceeds and the section can be played without error, another section will be added. In learning this way, music theory is taught and patterns are prevalent. Part of his daily practice is to continue to play pieces he has learned in the past. Each piece is memorized so he requires no sheet music when he preforms. In addition to his daily practice, his homework includes assignments from The Music Tree.
Buddy is passionate about music and practices with relish without necessary pleading from me. I do, however, have to sit with him to ensure he completes the exercises in the Music Tree book. Sweetie, on the other hand, needs more incentive to practice her violin. It is more of a chore to her though she does insist that she likes it. As her skills have improved (she started violin only a year ago) and she has been able to play pieces that appeal to her, she has been more enthusiastic about playing. They have both grown so much in their musical ability since we first began. I enjoy listening to them when they play and hope they will continue to pursue music when they are an adult.