The 1st Suzuki India Children’s Music Conference held November, 2008 was a completely enriching event for the students of Rama Chobhe’s Suzuki School of Violin in Pune. The first of its kind – a unique experience for all children and parents!
The first four days of the conference were held in Pune and the last two in Lonavala. The residential portion of the conference, held at the North Point Center of Learning, Lonavala, was a fully immersive musical experience for both the participants and parents. A total of 35 children participated in the conference. Mrs. Helen Brunner came here to work with our children. For most children it was their first experience with the brilliant teaching style of Helen teacher. Mrs. Helen Brunner held a workshop for the children for the first few days in Pune where she primarily worked on their Suzuki repertoire. At North Point, the activities ranged from individual master classes with Mrs. Brunner to group playing sessions and some solo performances from all children – even the twinklers! One of the evenings, while Helen teacher was having a discussion with the parents about how to work with young violinists and what parents can do to encourage children, the young ones were having a creative session of their own – with some skits and speeches J
The children’s favorite “Rama teacher” also had some fun games and exercises for the real little ones where they played with their eyes closed, or lying down on the floor, and even musical chairs J The conference finished on a high note with both a western classical concert and an Indian classical concert! This was not only a musical immersion but a great bonding session for all children! An experience of a lifetime for most of them!