In just a few short weeks I'll be attending my first Suzuki conference in Minneapolis. I was not sure as to whether or not I should go, given that my budget allows for either the conference or another teacher training this year, but I decided that I'd really like to see what it's all about. I'll continue my training next year. I wasn't feeling completely solid in my choice until I read this post on the SAA blog. Upon finishing this article, I knew I'd made the right decision.
I've mentioned before that I don't believe one methodology is necessarily better than another. Different approaches to learning work better for different people. However, I know that the Suzuki approach is the right one for me. In particular, I embrace the community aspect - teachers supporting each other; sharing ideas, forming groups, meeting together for coffee. I've never felt more welcomed into a musical community. I love that someone took the time to post a blog about what it's like to attend a conference, and recommended that we all make an effort to reach out to one another.
I'm looking forward to the presentations, concerts, seminars, and teaching points I'm sure to learn in Minneapolis. Most of all, I look forward to reconnecting with people I've met in my Suzuki journey, and meeting some new folks with whom to share ideas.