The Fall 1994 issue of the “Suzuki Journal” contains an article by MaryCay Neal that is well worth reading. (If you can get a copy from your teacher, that would be great.) For those who can’t get a copy, I’m listing a few important questions we can each ask ourselves:

          1. Am I determined to teach my child music? We teach them math and geography without apology. Is                 the same true for this instrument?

          2. Have I set aside time in my schedule to practice with my child?

          3. Am I committed to attending both group and private lessons regularly?

          4. Do I leave each lesson knowing exactly what to practice as well as how to practice it?

          5. Do I approach each practice time feeling good about spending this time with my child?

          6. Are my expectations for their practice and accomplishment appropriate for their age?

          7. Do we attend concerts and play classical music in our home? Is music part of life or something extra                 we tack on?

          8. Do I believe my child will learn to play beautifully?

If you can answer, “yes” to all these questions, your child will certainly attain excellence.