Zachary

10/11/05

Introduction to C scale.
Suzuki: Humoresque review and memorize. Learn Gavotte.

10/19/05

Review C scale with bowing exercises. Learn G scale.
Suzuki: Work on memorization of Humoresque in sections. Think about form.
Continue working on Gavotte.

10/26/05

Scales: Review C, G, D scales
Etude: Learn bowings 1 and 2. Go on optional. Concentrate on sound production and intonation.
Suzuki: Refused to play Humoresque. Review Gavotte and finish. Learn No.6.

Scales: C and G major with various bowings
Etude: skipped
Suzuki: Learn second half of Gavotte 1.

Sold him Beautifull Music by Rote (Applebaum), String Builder Book II

Scales: C, G, D major with various bowings
Etude: skipped. Learn bowings 5 and 6. Focus on intonation, concentrated sound, straight bows.
String Builder: next
Suzuki: Review Gavotte and learn Gavotte 2.
Rote: Learn Fiddle Song no.1

This lesson started off on the rough side. I came from a frustrating quartet rehearsal so I was ready for the change of event, but I was greeted with a grumpy, sulky boy. I base a lot of opinions on appearance: he did not look happy to be here. His mother was there as well, trying so hard to be cheery and positive, but I think she was sick.

Pet Peeve No.1: Slowly taking out instrument from case (as if reluctant and unhappy) and forgets to practice music because he cannot find it.

I wait for his lazy butt to get moving and I tune his violin for him because he obviously is not in the mood. I hate having to do everything for him (take out music, find music, rosin bow, cheer him up). GEEZ! So I try my best to understand where he's coming from (he's sick?) so I just start him on scales and hope for the best. I can see that he's trying to corporate, but his posture and sound is just awful. I tell him how to make a big sound and encourage him to do so, but he attempts and fails to remember how the next time.

Pet Peeve No.2: His pinky won't stay on the bow and he LETS his bow slide around so that I can tell him 100 times that he needs to have better sound. He's simply lazy and disinterested in lessons.

I give him the lecture about organizing his music by getting a folder or three-ring notebook. We do String Builder and repeat all exercises. He did say that they were too easy. I tend to want to fix basic things before going onto more difficult, but I'll give him one more week to "suffer". I still can't figure out what he knows and what not. For Suzuki, he is not paying attention to any bowings, fingerings, simple rhythm, and dynamics. I need to have more patience and try to reiterate things over and over again. This is normal right? No, I don't have a problem with repeating things, but I do have a problem if I say something, and it's obvious that what I'm saying is not being registered in the brain. I can tell if a student is listening or not. Zack just simply doesn't have respect or doesn't know how to show it.

Pet Peeve No.3: His mom does everything for him. After the lesson he leaves the room without even taking his instrument or music. I had to bring it out for him or his mom would usually come and get it. It's ridiculous!

Wow, just looking back now, this is the fifth lesson and I don't know if he's made any progress. I don't think I'm the right teacher for him. No wonder they were desperate to find somebody. But no, honestly, I think he's smart and got great potential if he could just get the right attitude, or the right teacher. I just don't know how to teach in a fun way. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to quit next week because I don't think I could handle him anymore. Shh, I just need the money.

11/16/05

Scales: C,G,D major (xeroxs for next time)
String Builder: Review same (did not practice)
Pink: Learned Fiddle tune #2 instead - review and memorize next week. Learn fiddle tune #1 [use dynamics, good solid bow hold for sound, and accurate rhythm]
Etude: Learn bowings #7,8
Suzuki: Review Gavotte 1, drill for continuity. Learn more of Gavotte 2. [incorporate dynamics and articulations]

So I gave him a lot of homework last week, hoping that it'll keep him busy and not bored, but he seemed to have strayed. He totally ignored material from SB and learned a totally different piece in the Pink book, which is fine. He half-assed in the Etude but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and made him keep it for another week but made him learn different bowings. I want to improve his bow arm (see PP2)!!

I also gave him the "don't waste my time and your time" lecture briefly. Seriously, he needs to be yelled at. :(

Scales: C,G, D (need to add more next week)
Etude: Practice more, learn the notes, work on intonation.
SB: did not practice.

Well, this week was no improvement, and it was obvious that he did not practice his private lesson stuff. He simply has behavioral problems and I'm not sure I want to deal with that. We'll see how things change when I have to teach at his house next time. His mom is super cranky this week. It's not my fault that she peed in her pants trying to find parking and it's cold out. Geez!

Scales: C, G, D, A, F (need to check level 3 requirements)
Suzuki: Gavotte first part is much better! Worked on second half of Gavotte 2.
Vibrato exercises from Viva Vibrato (Fischbach/Frost). Just trying it out!

1/18/06

sick with stomach virus (yeah right, see below)

1/25/06

Zack quit this week. Father said that he is studying with music director of Three Villages Center (???). He also said (get this) that if that doesn't work out, then can Zack resume lessons with me. HELL NO. Oh well, there goes my $40 per week.