Caleb started taking lessons from a new piano teacher one year ago who taught the Suzuki method alongside reading music. It was a tough adjustment and quite humbling. He was progressing so well and playing challenging songs with his previous teacher that it was difficult to hear his new teacher say that he needed to back-up to square one and concentrate on technique. The first Suzuki book has many easy songs (Mary Had a Little Lamb, London Bridge...) in order to learn ear training and also focus on a specific technique or two in each song. He felt really embarrassed to be playing such basic songs that even Carter could play.
Though he and I both got very frustrated at times, today was pay day. He had his Suzuki Book 1 Party: he played all 17 songs memorized close to perfectly. He nailed the techniques for each song (wrist rolls, proper staccato, repeat note legato, phrasing, sequencing, etc.), he had a great balance between his left hand and right hand (letting the melody sing), and played with wonderful dynamic contrast.
He felt good about his performance and hopefully will have a better attitude as we begin book 2! :)
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