In early July, Camy and her family were fortunate to have the chance to attend the Suzuki Institute at Ithaca College. It was their first time of attending an institute. Camy shares some of her thoughts with us below.
Reflections from the Performers: Book 4&5 Recital – 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.
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.
Reflections of the Performers: Book 1 Recital ~ 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.
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!
Reflections from the Performer: Ayden’s Book 5 Piano Recital
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!!
Reflections from the Performer: Hanson’s Book 3 Recital
Although I was a bit worried and nervous before the book recital, but I also felt confident with practiced my recital pieces everyday. On the recital day, I felt more energy and confident when I saw my friends came to support me. I thought I performed my pieces smoothly throughout the book recital as I got many good comments from my family, friends and Ms Sonomi.
Ms Sonomi introduces the recital 
Family greeting Ms Shoko on Zoom Focus 
Performer’s rainbow fingers 
Thank you for attending my recital! 
Acknowledging the audience 
Hanson and Ms Sonomi 
Performer and his family 
Hanson and Ms Shoko 
Hanson and Ms Shoko close-up! 
Only one performer means friends could attend!