About

I am at present, a retired Suzuki Violin/Viola instructor and active blogger. I live in Arvada, Colorado with my son and his family.

I grew up in the middle of Iowa where I had the good fortune to study violin from the age of seven with Ilza Niemack, at Iowa State University. At the age of 12, I soloed with the Iowa State University (back then, Iowa State College) Symphony Orchestra, doing the first movement of the Paganini Concerto in D for violin and orchestra. I played with them through my Jr. and Sr. High School years.  After that, I did my Bachelor of Music Education and not far into my teaching years, got into the Suzuki teaching method and have enjoyed that ever since.

My past work experience includes:

  • 25 years private teaching in the Toronto area (Canada), as well as working in affiliation with the Royal Conservatory of Music and for some years working in their Suzuki Plus Program.
  • 6 years private teaching in Ames, Iowa.
  • 11 years private teaching in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My Teaching Style

Over the course of my career, I used the Suzuki Method and also brought in elements of music theory from the Royal Conservatory of Music. In Canada, I prepared students for their Royal Conservatory of Music exams and in Colorado, I prepared students for their ASTA certificate advancement program.

In my violin studio, my program included:

  • Private violin lessons
  • Group lessons
  • Ear training
  • Sight-reading
  • Music theory
  • Scales and technical studies
  • Parental involvement

I enjoyed giving my students a well-rounded program, where a wide range of skills was fostered.

During these years of teaching, I also continued to expand my Suzuki Teacher Training studies at Summer Institutes. I achieved the level of Teacher Trainer.

I have also worked with students from school orchestra programs who wanted to further their skills in a private violin lesson setting. I have been active in the Suzuki Association of the Americas, local groups and likewise the American String Teachers Association.

For student and parent testimonials, check out the testimonials page.