I have designed many practice sheets over the years. As a Suzuki teacher of nearly 20 years I have learned how valuable organized practice sheets can be to parents and students as well as a great way for me to be sure I cover all points as assigned from previous weeks lessons.

The first set of sheets were designed to accommodate what I call the Repetition Challenge. Students earn "Suzuki Bucks" for completing ALL tasks on the practice sheet.
Below is an explanation of how this works. You may make your own "Suzuki Bucks" for students to earn and award prizes at your annual recital.
If you want suggestions as to how I made my "Suzuki Bucks" Email me and I will be happy to share how I made them.
Nothing frustrates me more as a teacher then finding that the student and/or parent hasn't followed my instructions for practice for the week. For this reason I started trying to make the practice sheets more fun in order to attract the students attention to it. I have in the past put pictures of the student on the sheet, made different themes according to holidays and seasons or just funny little pictures.
I have noticed the students paying a lot more attention to directions since I started this. I have hundreds of different layouts and themes which I will make available to all who are interested.
I can place your picture (the kids tell me it's like having me there with them in practice) on the practice sheet or group photos etc.. You can send pictures via email as attached files (contact me for file format) or you may send them through regular mail and I can scan them in.
I have found that the extra few minutes I spend doing these has made all the difference in communication of effective practice for my students. These Fun and organized practice sheets have become a powerful teaching tool for me.
My students each keep a three ringed binder to place and keep all practice sheets in. This has become very helpful for me as a teacher also in that I instantly know what was assigned the week before. As a busy teacher with a large student load this can be a great time saver at lesson.
Feel free to make requests as to layouts and special features via email to me. I will be happy to customize your order.

an idea for motivated Practice......

The Suzuki Buck Challenge

The first set of sheets were designed to accommodate what I call the Repetition Challenge. Students earn "Suzuki Bucks" for completing ALL tasks on the practice sheet. Below is an explanation of how this works. You may make your own "Suzuki Bucks" for students to earn and award prizes at your annual recital.
If you want suggestions as to how I made my "Suzuki Bucks" Email me and I will be happy to share how I made them.

How it works: Each student will be assigned a "Repetition Quota" each week. These will be set for the week, at lesson, and written on the practice sheet. Listening helps us to keep an "internal recording" of our review so quota's will also be set for listening to our Suzuki recordings. If a student misses a lesson they are to fulfill their quota from the previous week. For each week fulfilled the student will receive a "Suzuki Buck". Extra Bonus Bucks can be earned for extra listening to the Suzuki recording. Extra listening credits count after quota points are fulfilled. Students may earn 1 Suzuki Buck for each extra hour of listening in addition to the quota set for that week. Extra Bucks cannot be earned unless quota is met for that week. Students will turn in their bucks at spring recital for rewards. Practice must be documented on the students practice sheet to receive credit. Documentation must be completed before arriving at lesson." Honesty is the best policy" as I will be checking student progress. Documentation must match student progress. I reserve the right to reject claims that don't match progress.

Why We do it: Repetition and review are the basic building blocks for the Suzuki student. To often we get caught up in the quest for passing our songs and learning new ones. This routine will hinder our ability to become better violinists. Real growth comes from review not learning new pieces. Listening will make the review process go smoothly and this is why a quota for listening is included. I have found that prescribing a certain amount of time to practice has sometimes resulted in ineffective practice. I have also found that to often students do not follow my recommendations and this hinders their progress and subsequent desire to play well. I wanted to find a way to help students learn to practice more effectively and I hope this helps.



PARENTS: I ask that parent's please keep me posted as to how this affects their child's practice. Suggestions are always welcome as I am constantly searching for new and better ways to help my students achieve their goals. I have found that the most confident players are those who have learned what to practice, and how much to practice. These students are more motivated to play because they have achieved a level of mastery that is comforting. Have fun with this and keep it positive! I am looking forward to hearing the progress ascertained from this project!

 

ALL images on this page are Copy Righted

Practice sheets are high quality!  These picture samples do not do them justice. Due to web pirating I am only able to provide small sample versions.

Option 12 - Combo Packet ©

Each booklet is plastic bound of good quality print and paper. Pages are 3 hole punched to accommodate placement in three ring binder.

OPTION 10

This practice sheet includes 5 tasks. 
you may order:
3 month - 12 sheets
6 month - 24 sheets
1 year - 56 sheets

 

 

 

OPTION 9

be sure to indicate theme preferences- holiday, girl/boy, season, color's etc....

 

 

OPTION 8

OPTION 7

be sure to indicate theme preferences- holiday, girl/boy, season, color's etc....you think of it.. I will design it!

OPTION 6

be sure to indicate theme preferences- holiday, girl/boy, season, color's etc....

 

OPTION 5

This Practice sheet is designed for the Book 1 student able to handle 4 tasks.
As with all practice sheets this may be customized to suit your needs. Up top is a listening box for students to check off daily listening and at the bottom are photo's of my children showing their best BOW HOLD,BOW ELBOW ,LEFT HAND,BOWING,BOWHOLD,POSTURE and a space for OTHER THINGS. You may have your own pictures placed here also.
I have found these to be very helpful when I draw an arrow pointing to a picture so they will remember to think about a certain technical point.
All booklets may be ordered in
3 month, 6 or 12 month sizes.
Booklets may include all the same layouts or a combination of a variety of layouts.

be sure to indicate theme preferences- holiday, girl/boy, season, color's, gel pen, etc....

OPTION 4

I use this sheet for the beginner after they have completed Song Of The Wind.
Only 2 tasks here but plenty of places to mark technical concerns and give precise instructions to parents. Boxed in lists of "things to do" call attention to priority. 

Check boxes save time and help the teacher quickly discern what was assigned. Also included is a Review list with boxes to check off and a weekly tally of tasks and days practiced for the parent or student to check off.

All practice sheets would make  a great recital gift and may be personalized with students name, picture or specific theme or color scheme.

 

This section contains practice sheets for pre-twinkles, twinkles and beginners through Song of the Wind.
New Suzuki parents appreciate the clear concise instructions available on these practice sheets.
All teachers use different terminology to explain variation rhythms but we know how helpful these "words for rhythms" can be.
You may send me your words and I will customize the sheet to fit your needs.
This is a great way to get new students in the habit of daily repetitions and following your instructions to the T.
Below are examples of what I use to get the message across!

 

OPTION 3

Pictures  to symbolize tasks, help non-reader's  check what needs to be practiced.

Space is provided for instructor to number tasks and describe what should be the focus for each task.

Below are words and fingerings for Song Of The Wind (recommended for parent use only).
These sheets are a great way for parents and students to start off on the right foot with organized daily practice.

OPTION 2

These sheets are VERY helpful for teacher and parent!

Pre-Twinkle/ Twinkle sheet is a must for all beginner students!

Rhythm names are listed... tasks for pre-twinkle include : Clapping Rhythms, A&E song, Monkey Song, Up the scale, Down the Scale,

 each section of the "sandwich" and the "whole sandwich".

Up to Tempo - Tempo To Pass.

Beginner teacher's will find these very informative... beginner parents will find them invaluable!

Every  tiny step is spelled out and organized....