Leadership Impact
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Twelve-year-old violinist Beckett Bayan takes us on a rollercoaster journey towards his first solo at Walt Disney Concert Hall and shares his unique perspective on practice, music, love and the power of ice-cream. Beckett William Bayan started playing violin at the age of 4. As a 2nd grader, he received a National Silver Award of Excellence and a Young Artists Scholarship for his composition about the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly. The following year, he was one of four children invited by the U.S. Department of Education to perform at the National Reflections Arts ceremony in Washington D.C. Most recently, Beckett made his Walt Disney Concert Hall solo debut with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra. In his spare time, he enjoys making silly videos for his YouTube channel @practicenotperfect to encourage kids to have fun while practicing and playing music. He currently studies violin with Aimée Kreston. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Academic ImpactLalitha Dyharam studied with Molly White for 5 years, through high school and until she left for college in 2023. Her mother Bindu writes: "I love SMPLA public performances. They are truly helpful to kids. We are thankful to you for encouraging Lalitha all these years. I wish you all the best and SMPLA."
Lalitha was accepted at every college she applied to, but she chose Georgia Tech. in Atlanta for their prestigious program in Aerospace Engineering. During her high school years, Lalitha often viewed her guitar practice, lessons and performances as a welcome reprieve from her studies. She was active in student counsel, took many AP classes, and on her own volition sought out students to teach guitar. Studying guitar for Lalitha was a welcome support to her academic success. Here at SMPLA we loved having Lalitha as a part of our program, and we we wish her all the best in her academic pursuits! |
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Musicianship Impact
Rachel Johnson, participated in her school's Talent Show when she was in 5th grade. She played the Vivaldi A minor concerto. Her piano teacher was accompanying her, and knew of her Suzuki background.
During the performance, Rachel suddenly became lost. After a few measures she got back on track and finished beautifully. She received second place in the Talent Show.
Now, why would I call this "Suzuki Success Story"? Here's why: her piano teacher told us afterwards that when she knew Rachel was lost, she thought to herself, "Rachel is a Suzuki student. I bet if I play the melody line really loud, she will hear it, know where she should be, and get back on track." And that is exactly what happened! Her teacher, who got her college degree in accompanying, said that even though she was hoping that her idea would work, she was floored when it actually did!
She explained that most people, including college students that she accompanied over the years, aren't able to do what Rachel did - to hear a few notes in the middle of being lost, and without missing a beat to jump right back in. They usually have to stop, go over to the piano and look at the music, figure out where they are, and then start again.
She assured us that even though Rachel felt bad about "messing up," she should actually have felt very proud of herself. Because of her Suzuki training, she was able to do something musically that many college music majors aren't able to do. That, I believe, is a true success!
During the performance, Rachel suddenly became lost. After a few measures she got back on track and finished beautifully. She received second place in the Talent Show.
Now, why would I call this "Suzuki Success Story"? Here's why: her piano teacher told us afterwards that when she knew Rachel was lost, she thought to herself, "Rachel is a Suzuki student. I bet if I play the melody line really loud, she will hear it, know where she should be, and get back on track." And that is exactly what happened! Her teacher, who got her college degree in accompanying, said that even though she was hoping that her idea would work, she was floored when it actually did!
She explained that most people, including college students that she accompanied over the years, aren't able to do what Rachel did - to hear a few notes in the middle of being lost, and without missing a beat to jump right back in. They usually have to stop, go over to the piano and look at the music, figure out where they are, and then start again.
She assured us that even though Rachel felt bad about "messing up," she should actually have felt very proud of herself. Because of her Suzuki training, she was able to do something musically that many college music majors aren't able to do. That, I believe, is a true success!
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