Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong

"Music Exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart" ~Shinichi Suzuki

Reflections from the performers: Isabel & Nicole Book 3 Recital

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~from Isabel

This Book Recital was the most challenging recital I’ve had. Both Nicole and I had to work together under multiple time constraints. We had to change the dates of our practices numerous times in order to fit our schedules. The biggest challenge for me was, even though I had time to practise I didn’t practise efficiently or effectively. So when it came time to the dress rehearsal I was mostly unprepared, especially on my solo pieces. So I decided I needed to start practising efficiently. Throughout the week I slowly learned how to use my time efficiently and make each practise count. In the end I managed to play all of my pieces pretty well and me and Nicole worked really well together at the concert. On top of that I also learned a valuable lesson. I learned how to be efficient and manage my time. Overall I think this concert was very good given the challenges we faced.

~from Nicole

I was really glad when I heard that my partner would be Isabel. Since Isabel and I have known each other from school, we have collaborated exceptionally well on our book recital, even when we had to reschedule many of our rehearsals, demonstrating a strong partnership that enhanced our overall performance.
During joint lessons, we worked on the flow of each joint piece. For the twinkle variations, we practiced playing the twinkles at a consistent speed (80), with the right articulation and bow division. For Minuet in G, I felt like the first time we played the piece together, we were challenged because Isabel had just started learning it, and I hadn’t practiced the harmony well enough. However, as we began to focus on coordinating our parts and improving each section, the specific places where a ritard was needed, we were able to play the piece well. 
I felt like I had good energy towards the end of the recital, especially in the Gavotte in D major and the Martini Gavotte. I also liked how I played Humoresque. Although some of my shifts did not land correctly, I felt like I had good contrast when the dynamic and energy changed. In Bach Bourrée, I felt like my bow divisions and dynamics were clear, but I could have made some notes clearer rather than rushed, especially in the B section. For Gossec Gavotte, I felt my articulation slowly became more noticeable, but I could have practiced the notes in the C and D sections to make them sound clearer.
I want to thank Ms. Diane for teaching me all the pieces I performed and for supporting me. Ms. Sonomi, for collaborating with me and also teaching and giving tips to Isabel and I during the joint lessons. Ms. Marie Ann, for organizing everything. My family for supporting me. Isabel’s parents for supporting Isabel and me during the joint lessons, dress rehearsal, and book recital. I would also like to thank everyone who was involved in the recital process. Everyone was very flexible when all the schedule changes! Finally, Isabel, for being such a great friend and recital partner! 

Reflections from the Performers: Elise and Sebastien’s Book 1 Cello Recital

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Sebastien and Elise prepared and performed their Book 1 Cello Recital together. Please enjoy their thoughts about the experience!

~from Sebbie

Yesterday, I played cello in front of a lot of people. I was a little scared. I felt a little weird. While I waited backstage I felt bored… (no offence). When I started I was a little nervous but I kept on playing. I felt the ringing of music in my ears when I was playing. I got a mistake in O Come Little Children and I fixed it. I like playing solo more because it is more easier because I can go at my own speed and I can do my own tone after that. I loved eating all the snacks that I brought there were also cupcakes and cookies but still my favourites were the beef sticks. There was also other drinks like grape juice orange juice and apple it was great. I also gave cards to the teachers. And I enjoyed the recital!

~from Elise

I enjoyed when we went to get food because then I felt like I graduated from Book 1. I felt really nervous when we were waiting in the small room but after we played the Twinkles I didn’t feel as scared. I am thankful for my teachers and family.

Reflections from the Performers: Charlotte & Sophie’s Book 1 Violin Recital

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Sophie and Charlotte prepared and performed their Book 1 Recital together! Here are their reflections on their first-ever full recital experience!

~from Sophie

I am very glad that my recital was successful. I really liked how the audience was very supportive. I also think that we (me and Charlotte) did well. We remembered the important things and worked together well. Though I think that if I were to have another recital, I want to make sure that we weren’t as nervous and laugh a little less when we were walking.

~from Charlotte

Reflections of the Performers: Lucia and Tejbir Book 2 Recital

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Lucia and Tejbir prepared and performed their Book 2 recital recently. Here are their reflections on their exprience

~from Tejbir

I think it went well, expect when I got lost during Walt’s and played the 1st ending every time. I feel like my tone was nice and I like how Lucia was very confident about her pieces. I want to play with the piano recording more often so I won’t get lost when playing with the piano.

My favourite part was when me and Lucia played together, it helps us build our teamwork and makes it easier to work as a team instead of alone.I hope my upcoming recitals will be more successful then this one.

~from Lucia

After a long year and a half of study, I finally attended the graduation ceremony for Suzuki Cello Book 2. During the practice process, there were times when I really wanted to give up, but my teacher always encouraged me to persist to the end. I practiced every single day and felt the charm of music deeply. Before the performance, I was both nervous and excited. I was afraid of making mistakes, yet eager to showcase the pieces I’d practiced for so long well. Although I made a mistake while playing, hearing everyone’s encouraging applause made me realise it was just a small thing.

I want to thank ms Silvia who taught me how to play the cello and always encouraged me to keep going Thank you to Ms Diane – she asked me questions in every class, and her guidance helped me apply what I’ve learned. I also want to thank Ms Sonomi, who filled my music with vitality. Next I’m going to embark on my journey with Book 3!

Reflections from the Performer: Hugo’s Book 4 Cello Recital

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Hugo gave a Book 4 recital that included a heartfelt dedication to those impacted by the Tai Po fire. Please enjoy his reflections on his Book 4 recital experience:

This recital was very stressful, tiring and nerve-racking. However, it was also fun, heartwarming, and something I am proud of.  In the weeks preceding the recital, I had to not only juggle the workload of my various end-of-term assessments but also practise for the solo recital and upcoming friendship concert in addition to my book 4 recital.  So naturally, I procrastinated.

I did not seriously practise for my recital until 2 weeks before, which is also 1 week before the final rehearsal. Uh oh.  I wasn’t even able to play through the entire book without the music.  In these 2 weeks, I also had an above-average amount of homework, meaning I had little to no time to do other things.  I would go home, do my homework, and practise when my dad returned from work before going to sleep.  

I was stressed and tired and exhausted for the entire 2 weeks.  But in the end, I think it was all worth it.  So many people came to watch me play, from my close family to my fellow Suzuki friends.  This, while heartwarming. Also had a small, teeny side effect.  Making me perhaps the most nervous I had been the whole year, I was sweating and internally freaking out. The pressure of performing in front of so many people, and the fact that I had worked so hard during the past 2 weeks, made me lose focus, mess up, and stutter my words before playing Chanson Triste. I honestly am a bit mad at myself for messing up my speech; I had a wonderful opportunity to give my heart and condolences to those affected by the fire.  And at the moment, I just couldn’t do that. I really hope I can do better in the friendship concert.

For the minuet, I felt like I did fairly well; I had good tone and vibrato and only rushed a little bit at the end of the second minuet.

For the Breval sonata, I feel like I did decently well. I did vibrato for the majority of the piece and had good intonation, except for the double stops at the end of the first phrase.

I feel the most proud of chanson triste. I had good tone and vibrato and had good dynamics.

Finally, for the Marcello sonata, it is the piece I feel I could improve the most on. I rushed a lot on the second movement and got a lot of wrong notes and got stuck on multiple spots; however, the first movement went fine.

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