Featured Blog Posts
All Blog Posts
Search

Neil Fong Gilfillan
- Aug 18, 2017
- 2 min
Review - Beyond the Music Lesson: Habits of Successful Suzuki Families
Christine Wilson Goodner’s Beyond the Music Lesson is a well-thought out resource written for Suzuki parents and teachers alike. My favorite thing about this book is that it so clearly lays out the expectations necessary to succeed on the Suzuki Journey. Christine reminds the reader of the big picture, as well as the steps needed to get there! The meat and potatoes of the book largely focuses on mindset, which is the biggest reason I recommend it. My take on it is this: Succe
109 views0 comments

Rachel Samson
- Jan 29, 2017
- 2 min
4th Condition for Developing Great Ability: Provide A Great Deal of Training
This is the 4th section of a 5-part series outlining Shinichi Suzuki's "Conditions for Developing Great Ability" from Chapter 2 of his book Ability Development from Age Zero. If you would like to listen to the Intro, you can hear it here. Full Transcript: The fourth condition is to provide a great deal of training— The best way to get a strong and well-rounded music education is to be committed and consistent. Years of study, rather than “just trying it out,” will be required
19 views0 comments

Rachel Samson
- Jan 29, 2017
- 3 min
3rd Condition for Developing Great Ability: Use the Finest Method
This is the 3rd section of a 5-part series outlining Shinichi Suzuki's "Conditions for Developing Great Ability" from Chapter 2 of his book Ability Development from Age Zero. If you would like to listen to the Intro, you can hear it here. Full Transcript: The third condition is to use the finest teaching method— I think this is the best time to point out that Suzuki method is such a wonderful philosophy and method! It is supported by an incredible community whose wealth in in
18 views0 comments

Rachel Samson
- Jan 24, 2017
- 7 min
2nd Condition for Developing Great Ability: Environment
This is the 2nd section of a 5-part series outlining Shinichi Suzuki's "Conditions for Developing Great Ability" from Chapter 2 of his book Ability Development from Age Zero. If you would like to listen to the intro, you can hear it here. Full transcript: The second condition is to create the best possible environment: The first two elements that I think should be present in the best environment possible are structure and discipline. When you invest in Suzuki lessons for your
15 views0 comments

Rachel Samson
- Jan 22, 2017
- 2 min
1st Condition for Developing Great Ability: Early Start
This is the 1st section of a 5-part series outlining Shinichi Suzuki's "Conditions for Developing Great Ability" from Chapter 2 of his book Ability Development from Age Zero. If you would like to listen to the intro, you can hear it here. Full transcript: The first condition is to begin as early as possible— Dr. Suzuki makes it abundantly clear that he views the learning of music the exact same way he views the learning of a child’s first language. Suzuki asks his audience, “
34 views0 comments

Neil Fong Gilfillan
- Sep 19, 2016
- 1 min
Want a better bow hold? Try the Mouse House.
If you want an easy way to remember how to set up a beautiful bow hold, check out the Mouse House. I made this video especially for my beginning students. I hope you find it helpful! Looking for cello lessons in the Frisco area? Email me at chilidogstrings@gmail.com! #bowhold #cello #bow #suzuki #book1 #pretwinkle #twinkle #teacher #lesson #practice
180 views0 comments

Neil Fong Gilfillan
- Sep 13, 2016
- 1 min
3 Ways to Make Your Practice Space Better
Practice makes permanent, so make sure you're set up for success! These tips don't just work for violin, viola, and cello--they work for any instrument. Watch our video for some tips on how to optimize your practice space. Happy practicing! Rachel and Neil teach violin, viola, and cello together at their studio in Frisco. #violin #viola #cello #frisco #lessons #texas #suzuki #practice #privatelesson #music #instruction
106 views0 comments

Neil Fong Gilfillan
- Oct 30, 2014
- 4 min
Practicing Cello - Let's Do This!
Even though every student is unique and has their own challenges to overcome on cello, the basics of good practicing stay the same. Most musicians don't have as much time to practice as they would like. The good news is that with smart practice skills, students can make the most of their cello time and be more objective with their goals. The ideas layed out below are some of the most effective and proven techniques to get the most out of our valuable practice time. Practicing
69 views0 comments