"I Love Violin. I just don't like Performing."

by Kelly Scribner

When my 3 year old son started Suzuki violin lessons, he spent many lessons hidden behind my leg.

We slowly progressed to both of us sitting together on the floor together, sometimes I held the violin and sometimes he did.

Eventually he stood in front of me, but only far enough so that he could feel my foot against his leg. Now, after a year, he answers questions in group class, has developed a special code book with his private teacher and even sat with his group in anticipation of playing at the end of the year concert. He is able to play a half dozen songs and is excited about practicing.

While still shy and clearly filled with anxiety when it comes to performing in front of a crowd, he clearly loves the instrument he is learning to play and master. As he told me himself when I asked if he wanted to stop violin after refusing to participate in the later concert, "No Mom. I like violin. I just don't like performing."

For me, the Suzuki method has provided not only music to my son but has taught him confidence and pride. The flexibility the teachers have had with him in allowing him to participate when he's ready and to learn at his pace has made him eager to get to the next song and proud of himself when he masters the song he is working on.

He loves his teachers and is excited to see them and to be in class. He is able to communicate with me about his feelings and what more could a mother ask for?