REPORT on the second training course in Germany for the repair of violins and violas (November/December 2012)
The German Suzuki Association gave me the golden opportunity of a life time!
My name is David Babatunde Awonuga. Perhaps you remember me from my last report when I stayed in Germany in April 2011.
I am a violinist from Nigeria and studied in Lagos at the largest conservatory of our country. I want to improve my Suzuki teaching and the repair of violins and violas.
As far back as I can remember, there has not really been any serious activity in the area of violin repair up to now. Most of the players try to fix their instruments by themselves without proper tools and get them fixed wrongly. The nearest violin maker lives in Ghana (about 2.000 km distance from Nigeria).
I was the second time in Germany and could stay again with my German host parents Dr. Ingrid Schlenk (Chairperson of the German Suzuki Association) and Dr. Rolf Schlenk. They offered me a furnished room all to myself with a personal computer, a good study desk and a library of books relevant to my training. I also regularly had very delicious meals and so I was very fit at all times to do my job at the workshop with their son Philipp Schlenk, my major trainer for the repair of violins and violas. By the way, Philipp was a former Suzuki student.
I really have enjoyed my stay in Germany and the warm and supportive atmosphare within the German Suzuki Association. This time I have learned more interesting and advanced areas of violin service and bow service.
In addition I could participate an intennsive training in the bow shop with Andreas Dörfler. He made me go through all the stages of bow repair and making.
But I have seen museums and also Suzuki classes. I have also heard the Windsbacher Knabenschor. All of these and more highlights in the past seven weeks. German Christmas was a wonderfull experience – thousand thanks to my host family!!!
I really appreciate the efforts and consistency of the German Suzuki Association and especially of Kerstin Wartberg in giving me this golden opportunity of a life time and sponsoring my participation at the 4th International Convention for Suzuki teachers, the largest conference of violin teachers that I have ever witnessed. I hope to go back to Nigeria with many lessons from this experience.
In all of these I have been able to find stability in my heart that I am just on the right path.
Thank you for remembering Africa despite your busy schedule in the German Suzuki Association.
I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I shall send you a more detailed report as soon as I have settled back in Nigeria. Special greetings also to Mr. Rudolph Gaehler. Remscheid experience was first class: especially my private lessons on memory building with Mr. Rudolph Gaehler.
Best wishes
David Awonuga
Lagos, Nigeria