Ziqi, Nick, Xue Ying, Katelynn was absent.
Chew Ming- aaahh, I can't remember. His mom asked me about the shoulder rest that I promise to buy for him. I forgot to buy it. I taught him theory today. he did not finish the works that I gave before, so this lesson was about finishing his undone work, continuing them at home. Can't understand requirement for each question.
Zhe Xin- spoke more that day. Did practical because I feel that her theory is running ahead. Smart in getting what's being taught. She did good, so I gave her compliment in doing a good job. I can see her smiling when I say that. Always like it when I see smiles on these kids' face. good progress.
Christopher- 15 minutes extra given. first lesson focussing on theory exam in Mac 2011. bought new book, trying to go fast. good progress, understands everything well but a teeny tiny bit of easily distracted.
Amirul- did practical. learning everything very fast. Good progress. I'm starting to think that the Fiddle book is not bad as a teaching material.
Ruvisha- continue in exam pieces. having a little difficulty but progressing.
Sao Chyi- practiced sight-read. I experiment on a new method to improve her sight-read skills. I asked her to write fingerings under every note, then play them. She did good, she's able to write out the fingerings correctly. Next step, to have that fingering in her head already without writing it out, having this step next year.
Yu Hang- he's learning theory in piano, so he's learning practical only from me. Yu Hang was not good in catching the speed or bit of the music. He's able to do a better job in clapping but not when he's playing the violin. Nevertheless, he is taking baby steps every week. Compliment him too.
James- He has said a lot of complaints since I first met him. He's using that mini book, which I don't really favor. We went through page 1-3. I tried to correct his strength on the bow, and his way of holding the bow, but yes, he complaint again. excuses, excuses. I asked him to lighten strength on the bow to make a nicer sound, he said it's because his violin is not good enough. I asked him to correct his right hand (bow hand), he said his previous teachers taught him a different way of holding the bow, which is the way he was holding it that day. Anyway, I insisted that he follow my lead. In order to teach James one thing, I have to repeat it 3 or 4 times because he kept making up excuses. I suspect he gets that from his family. James also complaint that he was too tired to raise the violin up, from leaning his elbow to his waist, to support the violin. He said he wanted to sit because he was tired of standing. I then warn to scold him for sitting before I do. James is so like Nick, pampered.
That day, his father came in to the class to fetch him home. Maybe it's because of my age (I look young ma), like a few other parent, James' father came in without asking permission, and sat on the little chair while me and James was standing. James was first wondering, not knowing what to do, before packing up his stuff. I saw James' father pushed James' head twice in front of me. Not scolding him but just talking to him. In his father's presence, James immediately turn quiet, lack self-esteem. James face faced the floor the entire time until they both leaved. Seeing this, it makes me feel that they both have an unhealthy relationship.
Next week is Talent Growth's term break, therefore no lesson next week until next year. Merry Christmas and Happy Dong Zhi to the world.^^ This break, I'm planning to get every student their own shoulder rest. Remember to confirm their violin size by next year.
ps. shoulder rest for Ziqi, Nick, Zhe Xin, Amirul, Ruvisha, Sao Chyi, Xue Ying, James. well, maybe not all of'em.
