Ask the Teacher - Teri Einfeldt

Do you assess or test new students before accepting them?

I ask all potential students and their parents to observe six beginner-level lessons before they start. This way the child and the parents can see what will be required of them, and I can judge whether the child has the ability to focus for a half-hour lesson.

Do you involve your students’ parents?

In the Suzuki method, parents come to lessons, take notes, participate verbally in the assessment process when asked, and become the home practice assistant. Because they are so involved in the learning process, I find they are also committed in other areas, and are happy to help with moving chairs for rehearsals, preparing refreshments, scheduling outreach performances and more.