Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong

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

Reflections from the Performer: Hanson’s Book 4 Piano Recital

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On 9 October, we had our first Book Recital of the school year. The recital included audience in person and online. Here are Hanson’s reflections from his experience.

by Hanson Siu

I was delighted I can finally have my piano book 4 recital. I felt relaxed because I have been practicing all pieces for a year. However, when I realized my friends were on zoom, I became increasingly anxious. I hid my feeling and tried to stay calm. When I was sitting on my seat by the wall and looking at the pieces that I was going to play, I thought of what Ms. Sonomi taught me to do before I had my bow. Then I tried my very best to focus on my performance, to make nice tone and avoid having mistakes. When the recital was over, I was happy to receive all the comments from my friends and family. I look forward to having my next book recital soon. 

Reflections from the Performers: Book 4&5 Recital – Hermione and Isabel

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Hermione and Isabel

The preparation for this recital specifically was a little stressful because I had to manage my time with practising the many pieces while also being able to study for school exams. Despite all the crazy emotions I felt during the past month preparing for the recital, I was mostly super excited to play all of the pieces in front of some people who have watched me play the violin since day 1 and people who’ve barely seen me play. I was still a bit nervous as the most challenging parts such as managing time, playing the harder pieces (e.g. Vivaldi g minor) and trying to get all of the pieces to my expectation got me on a emotional roller coaster. But overall, I am extremely thankful because I got an opportunity to show my skills that have developed over the years and had enough support to get me through this challenge. 

~by Hermione

Thinking back to my book 4/5 recital, I think that it was relatively well done. I feel like a worked really hard on it, practicing a lot both individually and with my partner Hermione. Now that it’s over, I am kind of glad, because the week leading up to it was extremely nerve-wracking. During the recital, I was even more nervous-if that was even possible, but after a few pieces, I started to gain more confidence and it became more enjoyable. I would like to thank Ms Diane, Ms Susan, and Ms Sonomi for helping both me and Hermione on this book 4/5 recital, because without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.

~by Isabel

Reflections of the Performers: Book 1 Recital ~ Elise and Hanson

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Elise and Hanson

Dear SMAHK

Thank you for teaching me and helping me with my Book 1 Recital. At first, I was really scared and nervous, but the more I practiced I got more and more comfortable with it. I thought the recital was very nice. It was nice to collaborate with someone I’ve never worked with. It was a wonderful experience for me, and for that I thank you.

by Elise

Today is my first violin book recital. I usually play the piano with other people.  This is the first time someone else has played the piano, and I am playing the violin. My partner is Elise, we didn’t play our pieces well together at first. After practicing in a few joint lessons, we got along better and better. 

When I arrived at the school, I felt calm and confident because I had practiced so many times with Ms. Diane, Ms. Sonomi, Elise, and my mom. After we finished playing twinkle, I knew this recital would go well. Sadly, I was wrong. After Lightly Row, I started to make a few wrong notes and wrong bowings. I got more nervous. but I still kept going until the end. Even though I knew this recital was not 100% awesome, I still feel very proud of my first violin book recital! 

Thank You!

by Hanson

Reflections from the Performer: Ayden’s Book 5 Piano Recital

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       At the beginning of the recital, my hands were clammy and I thought I was going to play badly, but then, I tried to stay calm by taking a few deep breaths and pretending like I was practising at home, I started feeling more confident and relaxed afterwards. Even so, I still forgot some repeats and made a few mistakes in the second half of the recital.  I felt a little nervous at that time. But when I looked at Ms Sonomi and my mom after the bow, their eyes are full of encouragement and made me feel much better. 

After the recital, I felt relaxed and thrilled. I’ve learnt that it’s fine even if I play some mistakes as long as I tried my very best. My mom said I performed very well, and my dad, Hanson and Abby all agreed. Most importantly, I want to thank Ms Sonomi makes me understand I should play like a cuckoo bird sound for “Cuckoo”. I want to thank her for spending her private time giving me comments on my practice video. I also want to thank my previous teacher, Ms Shoko. She taught me the most difficult graduation piece up to now – Bach Gigue in 2 years ago through Skype. She made the mission possible online. Without Ms Sonomi and Ms Shoko, I couldn’t play those pieces musically at all. And I was so happy to have my whole family as my live audience and my best Suzuki friends, Hugo and Lincoln to join on zoom. I hope they all enjoyed my piano book 5 recital! Like Ms Sonomi said at the end of the recital, I can’t wait to have my next piano book recital!!

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