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Susanna S In Studio
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4.9
  4.9 (43)

Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola
Styles: Classical

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Susanna S  
4.9
  4.9 (43)
In Studio
Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola
Styles: Classical

Where I Teach:
My Studio
Ages Taught: 14-80
Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BFA, State University of New York at Purchase, Viola Performance;   MM, University of Denver Lamont School of Music, Viola Performance;   MSA, East Carolina University, Educational Leadership;   K-12 Music Education Certification, Carnegie Mellon University, Music Education
Awards:

2010-2012: North Carolina Principal Fellow, Class 17

1998-2000: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, University of Denver Lamont School of Music

1995: Sword of Honor, Sigma Alpha Iota

1993-1995: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Carnegie Mellon University

1991: Graduated Cum Laude from State University of New York at Purchase

 

Overview:
I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver.  I have taught in public schools and privately over the last 20 years and performed with local and regional orchestras, in chamber music groups for weddings and events and as a soloist in recitals.  
EXPERIENCE
I started teaching while I was a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University.  I taught part time private lessons and worked for a Saturday Morning music program teaching Strings and Music Theory.  I have taught in public schools for 12 years teaching strings/orchestra to elementary, middle and high school students.  I have taught students individually, in small groups and in large groups and orchestras.  I have adjudicated at competitions and festivals and taught private lessons in violin, cello and viola over the last 20 years.  I started in Music Education due to my love of music and children and have pursued my degrees in performance because I believe I cannot be a successful teacher if I do not know my craft.  I have successfully combined my performance experience and my teaching experience to provide high quality lessons to all of my students.  
METHODS USED
My favorite quote is: "All students have gifts, they just open their presents have different times."  I work with students where they are and at their pace.  I start beginners with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings.  As students progress I use Samuel Applebaum method books, traditional etudes like Wolfhardt and Sevick, Suzuki books and solo pieces as appropriate.  I teach Traditional Classical string instruction.  I will work to find pieces that students find interesting and keep my instruction engaging and fun for all of my students of all ages.
LESSON STYLE
I am a positive, patient and constructive teacher.  I give my students 100% of my attention during their lessons.  I work with students to develop correct posture and positions, strong technique, ability to read music, include music theory and music history as appropriate and work with students to play with musicality and develop their own passion for music.  I work with students at their own pace and where the students are at.  I will tailor my instruction to fit each students individual needs and goals for their music.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
4.9
  4.9  (43)
5 star
(40)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Terry Barreneche

5

She's encouraging, consistent, and knowledgeable. I thought she was a great teacher.

Jill

5

I'm going to be honest with you - I'm pretty sure my daughter loves Susanna more than me. Her favorite day of the week is cello day. As a very "free-spirited" 9-year-old, I was worried that letting her choose the cello and embark on lessons earlier this year would prove too focused for her personality, but I couldn't have been more wrong. We were new to Pittsburgh and I found the Music Studio of Susanna S. on Thumbtack. Susanna is so patient and kind, her motherly instincts kick in and she makes everyone feel incredibly comfortable. Her strings skills are top notch and she has the teaching theory, appropriate for each age group from kids to adults, to pass that on to others. My daughter was reading music and playing with the bow in less than 3 months - with zero experience prior. To top off the wonderful personality and musical skill, the Music Studio is inexpensive, technologically connected, and flexible! She can come to me, I can come to her, and virtual lessons are available as well! Teaching others to play and love music as she does truly is Susanna's passion and if I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Syreeta

5

Excellent instructor!!

Linus

5

Susanna was AMAZING!!! I'm just starting back after 20+ years off and she not only started me back on the path well, she has already taught me some improvement techniques to improve both my playing and my bowing!!! I'm already looking forward to our next session!!!

Kristen Brady

5

She is very attentive to the needs and abilities of each student. She pushes just enough to help you improve, but in a very kind way. She's very accommodating and understanding. We love her and highly recommend her !

Jill W.

5

Susanna seems to have been born for this job. She is very motherly and doesn't become frustrated when students go off topic or get distracted. She has a great lesson plan for each week and is effective with all age groups.

Adrienne

5

Susanna is an excellent teacher. She patient and kind, and she also has great insight to help students improve, both technically and musically. I would recommend her to anyone!

Sharyn C.

5

Susanna is a very experienced and professional strings teacher. She is an excellent violist. She has great rapport with her students and they enjoy learning with her. I highly recommend her.

Donna

5

It has been an honor to know Susanna since her days as a student teacher. She was an extraordinary student teacher and now, with many years of teaching experience behind her, continues to set realistic goals for her students, and for herself.

Sergio Butkewitsch Choze

5

It is a great experience to work with Susanna and we are absolutely happy to have her as our son's violin teacher. We could quickly witness significant progress in both his skills and his enthusiasm to have fun with music, and very much look forward to having Susanna as his teacher and mentor for many years to come. Sergio and Fabiana.

Chuck

5

Susanna is a highly qualified teacher who goes out of her way to provide excellent instruction for her students. As my high school strings teacher, she upped the quality of the music we played, and took time to help us develop skills individually. I recall that during two semesters when the regular class hours did not fit into my schedule, she sacrificed a portion of her free time to supervise me in an independent study. She also coached several of us to successfully audition for competitive student orchestras. A decade later, I still remember and appreciate her expertise and patience.

Ken C.

5

Ms. Susanna has been a violin/viola/cello teacher for more than 20 years in the public schools and as a private teacher with her own studio. She has taught in Pennsylvania, the Carolinas and Georgia. She is a natural in this profession--a dedicated teacher whose students have adored her. Her understanding and instruction of classical technique insures that the student has the proper grounding either to play for his or her own enjoyment, or professionally. Lessons with her are a wonderful addition to public/private orchestra programs, helping the student to excel in that area. I heartily recommend her to any parent who desires a superlative experience in instrumental music for their child, and also to adults who have always wanted to play.

Rob

5

Susanna is a dedicated professional. She is very patient and supportive. I have taken lessons with her for years, and highly recommend her.

Praneeta Yallakara

4

Susanna is a very patient and friendly teacher, who would help you learn the instrument at your own pace. As a first time learner, I find her very accommodating and easy person.

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