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

By

~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

By

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

By

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 from San Francisco

By

Ayden, Camy, Emma W, Hanson and Linnea all had the opportunity to participate in the North American SAA/ASTA collocated Conference in San Francisco. After submitting an audition early in the fall term, Camy, Emma, Hanson and Linnea were selected to participate in the Early Music Ensemble. Ayden was selected to perform in the violin ensemble.

The Early Music Ensemble included string players, singers, and recorder players. Altogether, there were around 20-25 students who participated. They had a session with an expert on the baroque bow, as well as rehearsing their pieces for performance, having the opportunity to attend other sessions, and culminating in their own performance at the Friday morning keynote. One thing the host talked about at the Friday morning session was that this was likely the only place in the world where a performance by an Early Music Ensemble would be the “opening act” for a speaker who was an expert in AI and how it will impact musicians in the future.

Ayden’s successful audition allowed him to be part of a 30 member group of students who worked together to prepare to play the 3rd mvt. of Kabalevsky Concerto. His group also had several rehearsals together as well as the opportunity to attend other sessions before their performance on the Friday evening Keynote.

Here are some reflections of the students about their experiences:

~Ayden

This was an exciting opportunity to play in a music ensemble. First, an interesting musical aspect was how the group worked on playing the piece as telling a story, such as a gradual crescendo in a 16th note section leading to the climax of the piece, imagining trills as “sharks” or working on making the cadenza sound like a conversation. Next, I also enjoyed listening to other groups’ performances during the event. Lastly, I learnt how to play together as a large ensemble. For example, we worked on ending trills at the same time, and use bow divisions, dynamics and articulation to fit different sections of the piece. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed watching an NBA basketball game in person.

~ Camy

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the SAA conference was learning more about the baroque style in the Early Music Ensemble and getting to experiment with the baroque bows.

The best non-musical part was seeing everyone from HK again and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow. I also learned more about working in a chamber group from a chamber masterclass.

Emma

In my opinion, the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was the masterclasses. It was very interesting to see kids around my age play and improve with the help of the masterclass teacher. The things discussed there were also applicable for me, which made the class not only educational for the students but also for me. 

The best non-musical part of the experience was being able to see my relatives who also came to the concert. 

Something I learnt was that violin strings actually used to be made out of pig intestines.

~ Hanson

The best musical aspect of this experience was using the baroque bows and playing in a baroque style. The way you held the bows and where you played in the bow were really different, and also generated a way more articulated sound. In terms of the playing, we played in a more flowy instead of articulated style, for example in the Bach double, we played the 8th notes more legato and musical, opposed to the articulated way we usually play it. I was also really amazed at how many different orchestras and students from around the world came together to form orchestras and chamber groups, as well as the many suzuki teachers that came to the conference. In this experience, I learnt a lot about music back in the baroque period and about the different instrument they used, such as the harpsichord and the recorder, and how they played those instruments. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed going on the zipline in Las Vegas.

~Linnea

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was getting to learn more about the baroque style of music and also listening in on a chamber music masterclass.

The best non-musical aspect of this experience was becoming friends with my stand partner and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow and different bowing styles.

Reflections of the Performers: Lucia and Tejbir Book 2 Recital

By

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!

Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong believes:

Follow us on Facebook