Comments

Laurie, that sounds like so much fun. I've taught Celtic, Appalachian, Jewish, and Russian music to my students, but they're somewhat older than yours. Step dancing is, indeed, quite difficult. One of my violin students is also learning step dancing. I think it's great to expose violin students to a lot of different kinds of music to broaden their outlook. They may fall in love with something new. You never know what's going to capture a student's imagination! Laurie -

My two sons have been taking Suzuki lessons for the past several years, and their instructor has developed a group devoted to exploring the types of music you've just described. The Bow-Dacious String Band, under the direction of Robin Kearton, has explored Irish, Klezmer, Cajun, Latin, old time, blues, jazz and pop music styles. They've collaborated with a broad range of musical groups, and gained invaluable performing experience in the process. Their latest concert was a jazz collaboration, which was interrupted by tornado sirens. Not to be deterred, the students jammed while hiding out in stairwells and service corridors, then resumed the concert when the threat passed.

In addition to directing this group throughout the year, Robin holds a "World-On-A-String" music camp each summer. You can check it out at www.Bow-DaciousStringBand.com. Personally, I've found that my boys' musical ability has grown by leaps and bounds since this group began. They still pursue their Suzuki studies and school orchestra endeavors, but the string band has helped them truly become musicians.

Chris