The Gift of Giving

Giving and receiving are the two parts of the same basic principle which is love. When we teach our children to give with happiness and excitement, we enable them to receive with gratitude. Children feel empowered when they give something which they have worked on and created. This holiday help your child to give something that they have worked hard for and are very proud of- their music. This is how we can nurture with love.

There are many ways you can do this. One idea is to make a video/DVD of past recitals and performances. Another idea is to make a Christmas video/DVD. Have your child dress up in a Christmas outfit and record their regular pieces as well as their Christmas Songs. You could send it in the Christmas cards, or even by e-mail. Grandparents especially love these gifts. Make sure to save a copy as it will make a great gift for your child someday.

Children who have learned through the Suzuki method internalize the sound of their pieces through listening. So, they enjoy performing in public as they always have their “music” with them –inside their self. There are many opportunities for your child to share their music during the season. From nursing homes to parties, to church, to malls it is always welcome to hear a child playing music. You can prepare and talk about these opportunities ahead of time with your child and in this way make the practice time become an important part of the gift.

Start a Holiday tradition of playing and singing music together with friends and/or family sometime during the holiday. My family does this on Christmas Eve. Everyone has a turn to sing, dance, or play an instrument. Each year you can play the old songs, and add new ones. Years from now when your child hears the pieces they have played it will bring back these memories.

When your child experiences this joy that they can give to others through their music, their own love for playing piano will become very strong.
As Dr. Suzuki said “Where love is deep much can be accomplished.”
Happy Holidays!