Breanne's Teaching Research References

My 2012 teaching research goal is to read 5 books
(Status: 1 down, 4 to go!)  

How Muscles Learn, Teaching the Violin with the Body in Mind by Susan Kempter
Nurtured by Love, Shinichi Suzuki
Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki 

Graduation!!

I had the privilege of walking at Graduation today for my Music Education Degree from Weber State University. What an honor it was to participate in this beautiful ceremony! I feel so thankful for the two bachelors degree's I have received from this university! As I reflect back on this degree, I have grown tremendously in understanding more about teaching in a classroom, how children learn through their unique learning styles & personalities, and positive classroom management techniques. I am a firm believer in this statement, "Teachers are Life Long Learners" and that is why I will continue to certify and research music education now and forever! My teaching and education plans for this next year are as follows:  Continue Suzuki training, train with Music Mind Games Creator Michiko Yurko this summer, and read at least 5 music education books sitting on my shelf!

Student Teaching

Well,

It's my last semester and then I'll graduate with my Music Education Degree, Dec. 2011. Student teaching is all that's left. Student teaching begins this Tuesday and I am excited for another opportunity to teach in a group setting. I'll get to teach 5 Elementary Schools, 2 Jr. High Orchestra Classes, and 1 High School Orchestra Class. I am looking forward to bouncing more ideas around with my cooperating teacher and expect to have a blast!

*Breanne*

Highlights of Intermountain Suzuki Institute 2011

Well Suzuki Institute was wonderful, as usual!

I am really enjoying adding the Suzuki Method to my bag of teaching tricks. What led me to the Suzuki method was expanding my horizons of how to teach a 3-5 year old. The best outcome yet was seeing my 18 month old learn posture last summer!

Last year I took Book 1 and this year I took Book 2 & 3. How wonderful! So many fun teaching ideas that are kid friendly! I love being able to network with other teachers my age and observing other great teachers who have been teaching for 30+ years.

The highlight of this Institute was meeting, seeing, and observing one of my favorite Violinists, Jenny Oaks Baker. I was able to observe her in Concert, in a Master Class, and had a quick bow hold chat. So fun!

Now, I am off to organizing notes, researching, and practicing! There is always more to learn, and that is what I love about life!
Breanne

Musical Progress!

My Teaching Updates & Improvements
Since I graduated back in Dec. of 2008 with my Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Performance, its been one improvement in music after another. First, I went back to school for my teaching license/2nd Bachelors in Jan. of 2010. Then, in summer 2010 I began exploring the Suzuki Method in depth and completed my Suzuki Bk. 1 training. Next, I completed the Bk. 2 & 3 training summer 2011. Also, I have been working with passion on studio improvements to push my quality of teaching to the next level. Even more, I have been  researching and watching, Ivan Galamian's Master Teacher Series for more teaching ideas on Violin. Lastly, I created this website which is a wonderful tool of information and encouragement for all of my students!


Performance Updates
I am a member of the Viola section of Chamber Orchestra Ogden, located at Union Station, & under the direction of Michael Palumbo (also known as the W.S.U. Symphony Orchestra conductor). I'll put updates about the concert on the studio calendar but for more information add Chamber Orchestra Ogden to your list of group's on Facebook.

Also, I have decided to explore the Violin more in depth and my mom has kindly let me use her Violin now that she took up the Harp. So, I am enjoying practicing new pieces and I plan to perform them for family and friends when finished.

Thanks!
Breanne Thomas