Combined Teacher Training at Whitemoor Lakes - Midlands, London - Violin and Ayr, Cello courses
This was a new and exciting venture for the teacher training courses. Whitemoor Lakes is a beautiful residential venue near Lichfield in Staffordshire. It was great to have the Midlands and London Violin courses together and delightful to have the Cello TT there as well.
On Friday night we were able to have a large string orchestra conducted by Ellen Martin our Cello Director - she brought a wide variety of repertoire which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Saturday was very busy with talks about - parent education - and - every child can - plus tonalisation, teaching points, individual lessons, group lesson planning and teaching, a playtogether, solo concerts, and the all important Level 1 introductory course with many hours of
Pre Twinkle Steps.
In the evening it was time for relaxation (well not exactly relaxing.........) with a Ceilidh band and imprecise but enthusiastic dancing.
Sunday included lots of small children taking part in a Pre Twinkle violin group lesson with hands on experience for all the new trainees - everyone survived!
The course ended with repertoire and musical games and activities in the hall - it was great to see so many trainees taking part at the weekend, meeting new people, establishing friendships and all looking forward to seeing each other again soon.
I very much enjoyed organising and teaching at the course - enormous thanks to Margaret Parkin, Ellen Martin, Tessa Oakley, Jane Afia,
Jane Panter, Karina MacAlpine, Emma Cockbill, Sally Whitham, Louis Robinson plus Sarah Hanley our Flute TT Director who came to observe and ended up playing the violin.
Here are some comments from the trainees after the course
Level 3 Trainee
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and interact with teacher trainees and observers from other faculties.
I found the session for the Level 3 and 4s on group lesson planning and then actually doing it really useful (& enjoyable!)
Level 1 Trainee
Gave me a real boost to my self esteem to be valued as an individual who mattered, I loved that we were all given a chance to speak and share experiences, and particularly benefitted from the one to one lesson, pointing out some of the bad habits I've fallen into without making me feel guilty about it!
Level 5 Trainee
A fabulous weekend of camaraderie, top class tuition and professional development all in the most beautiful setting overlooking the lake. The warm, supportive environment of the Suzuki training course is the best place to develop skills and try new things whilst learning from seasoned teachers and colleagues.
Level 1 Trainee
I came home from the weekend totally inspired! The group dynamic was lovely, especially for those of us just starting as I think we all felt so welcomed and valued. The pre-twinkle steps classes and the parent education have already proven useful as I've started a few new pupils this week - I came away feeling that I've had some confirmation of what I've already been doing, coupled with a greater understanding of why it works, and what I need to do differently.
Level 2 Trainee
Thank you for a fabulous TT weekend, I have come home feeling very inspired! Lovely venue tooxx
Flute Director
Am home. It was a long journey but I was here after 5 hours. What a wonderful weekend thank you so much. I had gained so much from you and your lovely trainees
Level 4 Trainee
Home safe! Lovely to be back and to meet new people ❤️ thank you for organising such a fun weekend Heather xx
