Student Resources
Kaila's Practice Guidelines
Note: Requires Adobe Reader. Download a free version here.
Practice Basics (PDF)
The Three Steps of Successful Practice (PDF)
Practice Worksheet (PDF)
Practice Worksheet Instructions (PDF)
Recommended Reading
Scientific American: The Expert Mind [PSYCHOLOGY AND BRAIN SCIENCE]
Studies of the mental processes of chess grandmasters have revealed clues to how people become experts in other fields as well.
The New York Times: How to Grow a Super-Athlete
What is talent? Can it be learned, and if so, how?
Teaching from the Balance Point
by Edward Kreitman
This invaluable resource for students and teachers is clearly and expertly written. The book is my top choice for those interested in learning more about either the Suzuki method or violin study.
Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making it Easier
by Edmund Sprunger
Written by a child psychotherapist and Suzuki violin teacher. An in-depth guide to practicing with young children.
How to Get Your Child to Practice . . . Without Resorting to Violence
by Cynthia Richards
A light-hearted and informative book.
Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education
by Shinichi Suzuki
Dr. Suzuki explains the philosophy and principles of his teaching method.
Practicing for Artistic Success
by Burton Kaplan
A book directed toward adult musicians that clearly lays out effective strategies for successful practice and performance. [Top]
Metronome/Tuner Suggestions
There are two types of tuners: those that produce a reference pitch and those that analyze a pitch that you create. I find the former to be the most useful in tuning the violin. I recommend the following metronome/tuner combinations because they include pitch generators that produce all of the pitches necessary to tune the violin (some only produce one pitch, which is not as helpful). The links point to the item at Shar Music. For a free online tuner, go here.
Shar MetroTone Digital Metronome #SM1000 ($14.99)
Shar Digital Metro-Tuner #ST204 ($19.99) [Top]