Dr. Suzuki once described the nurturing and education of a child as planting a seed in the ground. We place a seed in the soil, and we must water, provide sunlight, and keep the soil clear of weeds every day. We cannot see what is underground, but day after day we must continue this routine and sustain this little seed in the ground. Then many months later it may sprout. More time is then needed to cultivate a plant with leaves and eventually a beautiful flower. Our music students are like these seeds. We provide education, love, and support to their musical growth. Parents help the daily practicing in the same way one waters the plant every day. We may not see the results of all our efforts for months, so we must have patience. We work hard at this and then one day our efforts finally bloom into a polished performance of a piece of music. Music learning is this process of cultivating beautiful blooms.

Such is our focus on the learning process for our children. However, we might also consider how we can nurture human character and kindness in our students. It too is a seed that must be planted early and nurtured daily. What acts of kindness can we practice every day? "Thank you for practicing today." "Thank you for that beautiful tone you are making."

During the pandemic, I know we are running out of patience. We want our lives to go back to normal. How can we build respect in our children through sharing mutual respect. Perhaps we can say, "I have an important work deadline. Would you help me? I love listening to you play your ___ (insert instrument)... can you choose your favorite pieces and play them for me while I work?" Or perhaps suggest your child takes their favorite piece "on tour" and go around the house and play it in each room (if they have a portable instrument); or they can create an audience for their performance with their favorite toys. (Stuffed animals, dolls, trucks, and lego buildings can all be audience members!) Could they get together with another sibling and put together a whole concert and make a program to go with it? Can they write out the order of pieces with titles and composers and maybe even decorate the program to make it colorful? Could they have a dress rehearsal with no audience and then perform it later in the evening when your work is done?

We all need patience! We can work together and build on the important things in life: respect, honesty and music can all go together towards developing our students' human character. Eventually this pandemic will decline. With patience we can also sow the seeds that will bloom and develop respect and kindness in our children's hearts. With patience, we will also have beautiful music.

Sachiko Isihara
Executive Director