Developing a group culture is sometimes hard to do when we exist in a society whose priority sometimes rests on developing the individual. At the Suzuki School of Newton, I am very struck by the strength of our teachers to recognize and tailor the individual experience. I believe this adaptability is of utmost importance, and we are fortunate to have such excellent teachers who can accomplish this.  

At the same time, we believe that the sum is greater than its parts. If we only tailor to the individual, then the connection that comes through developing a strong relationship among a broader community could be lost. Solo performing is wonderful, but so is playing in an ensemble. Learning by oneself has its unique personalized experience, but learning in a group creates deeper connections and manifests the "school" that we are. Our Preschool classrooms are identified as the quarter notes, half notes and whole notes. We believe in developing a broader experience by including group classes and musicianship in small classes to the one-on-one music lessons. Not only do we emphasize different skills through these three components, but it also allows the students to learn from a team of teachers and a cohort group of peers. Not everyone approaches learning or understanding of music and concepts in the same way. To accommodate the different ways students learn and absorb information, the teacher must present material different forms that all attain the same goal of excellence.  

Last weekend we presented two types of recitals. One was more traditional (if virtual concerts can now be considered that way!) with live performing on Zoom, and the other was a sharing of pre-recorded performances, but with the performer present in the Zoom meeting to present their recording. Group classes are often very technical in nature, and teachers emphasize drills and performance skills in the live classroom. Over the internet, we have developed a new sense of group through participating in shared activities, discussion, and fun. These ways of communicating build strong connections among our students that can last a lifetime.  

Successful groups are often created through the sense of challenge and overcoming obstacles towards solutions. This has been an issue with our chamber music groups, and we have already heard some pretty fine results of Joy Grimes' chamber music trio who produced a video montage of their piece. As we continue to work with these new media platforms, live streaming, pre-recording video editing we are rising to a challenge that will only increase our learning and encourage skill building and overcoming obstacles. Most of all, we develop bonds among the people with whom we work together during this truly remarkable time that is changing the way we live now. Our lives are not going to be the same, but many of the experiences we are currently having will strengthen us to live an even better future.