I Want them to Find Their Voice: An Interview with Dr. Shu-Yi Scott

On this week’s episode, we are speaking with Dr. Shu-Yi Scott. Dr. Shu-Yi Scott holds a MM in cello performance from Penn State University under Dr. Kim Cook and a DMA in cello performance from the University of Texas at Austin under renowned pedagogue Ms. Phyllis Young . She became a registered Suzuki cello teacher trainer in 2019.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Shu-Yi has given more than 50 online courses for teachers, students and parents. Teaching beginning students from the age of 3 to advanced high school cellists, her expertise and patience helps students from all musical backgrounds excel.  She uses her knowledge of child development to creatively target the needs of her students, keeping them motivated and growing.

In this episode, we talked about practice, parenting, and how young musicians develop their own voices. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Highlights Include:

“I want all this cello learning to Become a part of a rich life, and survival skill kit for my kids to be able to apply to other things.”

“So music wise, we, we found ourselves listening to more music you know, because we’re all home. And I started relying on livestreaming concerts, like Berlin philharmonic, to kill time first. And then it became like, The place where we can feel kind of a release. So I would say music became even more important and maybe even more intimate for our family life. So that’s where we’ve been at.”

“So I have given like three studio recitals, they’re all online, but numerous, just driveway concerts, kids came with their picnic blankets, with masks on and when the weather was nice in Texas.

So that part actually did help a lot to boost the spirit of my cello community locally. I have to say all of the parents really appreciate having an opportunity to see all the kids and, and hear everybody playing together, even though we’re all six feet apart.

I remember the very first time it was in December, it was kind of cold and as a tradition, we always play the cello national Anthem, the French folk song together from my pre-twinkle playing on open strings to book eight students – (they all) like playing French folk song ensemble together.

And I could tell there was (pauses) it was very profound. It was music that really spoke our heart at that moment. So it has been hard, but I feel together,  I have made, a lifetime experience with my students and their families.

So I know we won’t forget that moment for sure.”

“I think I was really, really careful about making it, not my agenda (but) making it their agenda, you know, or not superimposing, what I think is the best for them, but, you know, at their age level of their development, to what extent can they make a choice?

I would give them the choice, but if they need if they need the guidance, I’ll give them that.”

“if I say something and the student just follow me passively. I actually feel that’s a failure of my teaching.

I don’t want students or parents just to take this prescription and follow and just swallow it. I want them to really feel, “oh yeah, this is a project. This is a collaboration.”

To read more download the full transcript below, or listen to the episode in full.

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Top 3 takeaways:

1. Finding our musical voice often involves being giving choices and making decisions and I loved how Shu-Yi found her musical voice late (in her words) but has worked to give that to her children earlier.
2. We learn so many life skills through studying music!
3. Give choices whenever we can, and guidance whenever needed. This is great advice for any parent, and especially helpful in music practice

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Find Shu-Yi Scott’s Website: http://www.shuyicello.com/

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