Due to Caleb's piano teacher moving, Caleb started with a new teacher this summer. Our options were limited so we were excited just to get in since there were about 15 other parents looking for a new teacher as well. His new teacher is further away, more expensive, and teaches in a different style (Suzuki method). However, she also has more training and provides a lot more opportunities for competing and different kinds of recitals. (Caleb participated in a duet recital end of August.)
Though the transition to a new method of teaching has been rough, the Suzuki method with its focus on ear-training and technique has been good for Caleb. (His last teacher didn't focus a lot on technique.) His sight-reading is pretty strong so learning to play by ear has been frustrating to him. Taking from a new teacher has been humbling for Caleb because he sees there's lots of areas he still has to improve.
For this Ribbon Festival competition, Caleb played two Suzuki songs in front of a highly-qualified judge who wrote praises and critiques. All the students get a medal.
Caleb standing next to his cousin, Dallin, who really excels with the Suzuki method of teaching! Hearing other students play quite difficult Suzuki songs has motivated Caleb to stick with it and keep working.
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