I never saw Ralph Waldo Emerson, but I should say that John Bascom was a man of much his type, both in appearance and in character. He was embodiment of moral force and moral enthusiasm; and he was in advance of his time in feeling new social forces and in emphasizing new social responsibilities. His addresses to students on Sunday afternoons, together with his work in classroom, were among most important influences in my early life. It was his teaching, iterated and reiterated, of obligation of both university and students to mother state that may be said to have originated Wisconsin idea in education. He was forever telling us what state was doing for us and urging our return obligation not to use our education wholly for our own selfish benefit, but to return some service to state. That teaching animated and inspired hundreds of students who sat under John Bascom. The present President of university, Charles R. Van Hise, a classmate of mine, was one of men who has nobly handed down tradition and continued teaching of John Bascom.

In those days we did not so much get correct political and economic views, for there was then little teaching of sociology or political economy worthy name, but what we somehow did get, and largely from Bascom, was a proper attitude toward public affairs. And when all is said, this attitude is more important than any definite views a man may hold.

Our daughter’s teacher is primarily an advocate of Suzuki method. We have enjoyed Suzuki method for following reasons: 1.Parental involvement — we strongly believe this has been a key element in our daughter’s success and also her enjoyment of violin. We are in a position where I am able to commit to practice times so this has worked out well for us. 2.Group lessons — this has been an encouragement and inspiration for our daughter. Because of group lessons, she has been able to play in trios at last two Christmas concerts. The older children are kind and atmosphere in warm and inviting. 3.Most importantly is teacher. We have a wonderful teacher who is willing and able to work with our daughter on every level. This past year, teacher felt our daughter needed to develop her sight reading skills to prepare for next level of Suzuki. So, we took a break from Suzuki and did traditional for several months. You have got to find a teacher who knows when to challenge your child and also when to step back. I cannot stress this enough, you have to have a good teacher.

In closing, you are strongly encouraged to do whatever it takes to make this a fun, enjoyable experience for your child. If you start with one teacher and find they are not meeting needs of your child, then don’t wait too long to switch. After all, a poor experience at a young age can turn a child off to music lessons for a long time, possible forever.