Violinist.com - Because you can't say enough about the violin

News by E-mail
Violinist.com - Violin Blogs - Pauline Lerner - Blog Entry
Printer-friendly version
Pauline Lerner

Secret diary of a violin teacher

April 4, 2007 at 2:26 AM

I try to be as positive and encouraging as I can when I give my students feedback, either orally or in writing. Sometimes that requires tact. At other times, I can give honest praise, but that requires tact, too. What do I really think? Here are a few excerpts from my private notes on my students. They cover a broad range of feelings.


  • He didn’t practice much this week, and it really shows. He sounds horrible.

  • Her intonation is terrible today, much worse than usual. She recognizes it and says it’s because she didn’t have her usual cup of coffee this morning.

  • I asked the kid where his violin cover is, and he said, “On the living room floor.”

  • She forgot to bring her Suzuki book and argued with her mother about whose fault it was.

  • She is so talented and learns so quickly.

  • I’m tired of hearing about what an important person he is at work.

  • He is a good student – industrious, goal directed, and adventurous. Best of all, he really enjoys learning.

  • Her mother is so positive and full of praise. I wish my mother had been like that.

  • Brat!!! If he were my kid, I would have sent him to bed without dinner, no reprieve.

  • I’m so sad that he is moving away and this was his last lesson. I’ll really miss him.

Music Giveaway

Mark O'Connor Mark O'Connor's method books -- released this week -- teach students using many styles of American music. Enter to win a set of the books this week, on Violinist.com. Photo: Deanna Rose

Search

About Pauline

Pauline Lerner is from Rockville, Maryland. Biography

E-mail to Pauline Lerner

RSS Subscribe in a reader

Blog Archive

2009: Nov. Oct. Sep. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb. Jan.

2008: Dec. Nov. Oct. Sep. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb. Jan.

2007: Dec. Nov. Oct. Sep. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb. Jan.

2006: Dec. Nov. Oct. Sep. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb. Jan.

2005: Dec. Nov. Oct. Sep. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb. Jan.

2004: Dec. Nov. Oct. Aug. Jul. Jun. May Apr. Mar. Feb.