Hilltop Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 We get to go to Germany for 4 months for dh's job! :hurray: My older dds (10) have been playing Suzuki violin for 4 years. They like it, but don't love it, and it often is a battle to get them to practice. They are only in the second half of Book 2. This summer they took a bit of a break... just reviewing Book 1/2 songs and taking fiddle classes from a Suzuki teacher. We leave for Germany soon, and I am trying to decide if it is worth it to take their violins. I've heard it can be such a hassle flying with instruments. With our other dd (2) in tow, the older girls would be responsible for carrying their violins and a backpack as carry-ons. Has your child ever taken a break from Suzuki? Did they regress considerably? We would take the violins to continue Book 1/2 review, and to learn to read music with I Can Read Music, vol 1 and 2. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 I wonder if having something familiar to work on in a different environment would be comforting in a way? Even if it is something they are a bit ho-hum over. I have flown with my violin and it fits perfectly in the overhead. People tended to go out of their way to make sure it was not jostled or bumped. (Have a wonderful trip! Keep us posted!) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Dh's job brings us overseas for 9-10 weeks every year, and we bring Wee Girl's (one-sixth size) cello on the flight, in the overhead compartment. We're careful and attentive at security and on the plane, and haven't had any problems. Wee Girl is younger than your girls and has no difficulty carrying her own cello strapped to her back (I take it for escalators and dense crowds). Surely violins couldn't be too hard. There are Youtube videos to help you pack your instrument for travel. Four months seems like a long break in practice. Can they skype Suzuki lessons while abroad? Wee Girl's teacher suggested that and it's worked out. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Traveling with violins is easy-peasey. Just have each child carry her violin on board as her "personal item". She can ALSO bring a carry-on. Honestly, it's no big shakes. My son flies with his guitar routinely as his personal item. Airlines are actually very nice about it. Loosen the strings a bit before packing the instruments for the flights. Just in case. Enjoy! ps. Yes, we were Suzuki parents and now have three mature musicians . . . We always brought instruments on trips. It is a hassle, but it is worthwhile. If nothing else, it affirms your value on daily practice -- sending a strong message to the kids. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 pps. Just have the girls practice their Suzuki rep while on the trip. And bring a book of new holiday songs for them to work on as new stuff. They don't need lessons, but they DO need to keep playing! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 My oldest ds travels with his guitar all the time. I wish middle ds could take the piano with him! Taking an instrument on a plane is fine and I agree that a four-month break would be too long. It's worth promoting a portable skill like the violin. :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 I would bring them. 4 weeks I may consider letting slide- but probably not. 4 months, no way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 We travel internationally all the time with a violin with no problems at all and bring it on much shorter trips. I would take the instruments if you want them to continue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Long time suzuki parent here (9 years). Yes, I would definitely bring them and consider trying to find a teacher who would Skype occasionally. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltop Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 Thank you, everyone! I feel better about bringing them and I agree... it will be worth the effort. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Violins are easy to take on planes. We've done it several times internationally. I'd maybe only bring one though. They can take turns practicing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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