Thank You! (3/14/25)
In all the things we do at the Suzuki School of Newton we would not be able to accomplish them without the participation of the parents of our students, our community volunteers including our Board members, and our newest growing body, our adult students! To all of you adults out there----thank you so much!
Why am I thanking you? Because it takes a lot to be a parent and our Suzuki pedagogy actively involves the parent(s), grandparents, caregivers in the learning process. We know that your choice in enrolling in Suzuki lessons means your energy is focused on someone else. As volunteers in our organization, you spend extra time with your knowledge and energy towards improving our school. As an adult student in our school, you have chosen to learn music and thus are actively demonstrating your choice in valuing music learning. To all of you, we are thankful for your support and we are grateful to you!
In looking at our current society, many of us are in the "sandwich"generation. We are taking care of our children and also taking care of our aging parents.This means we may not have as much time for ourselves and for the pursuit of our own happiness. Raising children often means focusing on the well-being of the child and we make sacrifices to ensure they are provided for their education and for what their needs may be first. We care for our aging parents in the same way, often devoting our time off from work in order to go care for them. Does this make us happy?
This, of course, all has its rewards. When we see joy on the faces of those we love and care for, it makes it all worth it. Sometimes, though, we do not always get those smiles and signs of appreciation. I would like to say that I know it is there. It may be hard sometimes for children or older people to remember to say "thank you." Children may not say, "Gee, thank you for reminding me to do my homework," or "thank you for making me practice that practice spot another 10 times." However, in the long term, as they reflect back, they will remember how much effort you put into their getting better in school, in sports, or playing a musical instrument. You are making a difference in their lives today, even if they do not get around to thanking you until much later.
For those that have found the path to learning a musical instrument yourself, I also say "thank you." Finding the pleasure of making music and even playing chamber music such as in our Adult Ensemble on Tuesday nights, is very important to us. Our Suzuki School faculty are some of the best musicians and teachers in the Boston area. They love the variety of teaching adults that engage them in a different way. We love filling our building with many people who just love to play music
And finally to our world-class, talented teachers. Many of you are performing musicians and when you play together at our faculty concerts, it is such a treat! For all the work you do in and outside of our Suzuki School, thank you! Being an adult in today's world takes clear headed-ness. We are in a time of uncertainty and thus can easily question what it is we are doing. Self-reflection is a good thing, but sometimes we forget to provide ourselves with self-appreciation. You are doing the best you can in a challenging world. For that, I am truly thankful.