European SUZUKI™ Piano Days - Fun in the Learning Zone!

I can hardly begin to thank all the team and colleagues at the first European SUZUKI™ Piano Days in Riga, Latvia.  They did a tremendous job and it’s clear that this was a beginning of something that’s both needed and wanted - something that brought “proper” Suzuki joy to the hearts of those who came. How wonderful it was to be with our community of teachers - no matter where they were from and no matter what their experience, it felt as if everyone was welcome and encouraged to contribute.

The organisation and facilities were excellent & the opening concert that launched us into Saturday was a triumph.  Glorious ensemble playing from teachers and children worked seamlessly in a wonderful encounter with a Carnival Of Animals and Zohara Rotem beamed in from Australia to give us all a nudge into the joy zone and a warm reminder of why we do what we do.

Indeed, this was an event that reawakened some of the wonder I first felt when I discovered the Suzuki world some 20 years ago.  With so many invited to contribute there was a need for gentle steerage but not a hint of high status.  Yet experience abounds in a collection of teachers who were committed enough (and curious) enough to come to this first SUZUKI™ Piano Days event.

There was a warm and unconditional welcome for everyone and from the outset a sense that whatever you wanted to contribute, could be heard without judgement.  Meeting and chatting informally was encouraged and sharing ideas seemed at the bedrock of why we were there.  If we are Suzuki flowers then this event was like an encounter with the bees and butterflies of high summer!

When there is a sense of fun in the learning zone, we know  how this changes outcomes & during this weekend all the active participation, laughter and play most certainly did that.  Among many outcomes, details and rediscoveries, perhaps the most valuable of all for me was to rediscover my colleagues and to get to know others for the first time.  We not only have to have beautiful hearts in our Suzuki encounters but we have to be able to open our hearts sometimes - at Suzuki Piano Days 2025 many hearts opened.  Thank you all.

Graham Rix, ESA Piano Teacher UK