Through a lifelong commitment to her craft as pianist and teacher, Susan’s own journey of mastery shapes the experience of her students.
Susan traces her lineage of piano lessons and teachers as far back as Beethoven and Chopin. Her students benefit from this rich history of music in every piano lesson. They are empowered to strive for a level of musical excellence that they find deeply rewarding.
Music lessons can begin at age 5 or 6, although occasionally a child is ready for lessons by 3 or 4.
Lessons take place weekly or twice weekly, depending on the level of a student’s commitment, and are crafted to help each student reach their own goals.
Studio parents often remark on the fact that Susan teaches each student differently. She helps her students blossom musically in ways that are unique to them.
This empowers each student to feel successful in their playing.
Susan offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities for her students based on their goals. These can include local festivals and events (often with MTAC, the Music Teachers’ Association of California), performances, and masterclasses with other high-level instructors.
There’s no pressure to participate in these events; some music students want to play music simply for their own enjoyment and they are equally supported in their path.
Susan’s goal is to help each student thrive in their own relationship with music - to be inspired to play the piano for their lifetime.
Presenting her first solo recital at 17, Susan found the experience simply magical and inspiring, making her realize that music was indeed her path.
It’s important for Susan to engage with others in music to expand her horizons and continue to grow as a teacher. This happens locally through the MTAC Long Beach Branch (presently serving as membership secretary) and through discussions with music teacher groups via social media. Attending the annual MTAC state convention is a highlight for her, attending workshops lead by pedagogues, psychologists, movement specialists, composers, etc. helping her to keep abreast of new technologies, theories and methodologies in teaching.
Although Susan has had the privilege of performing in beautiful concert halls with gorgeous concert grand pianos, the most memorable one was on an old upright at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital in the paraplegic ward.
Afterwards, as she was about to take a bow, her eyes locked with a man who had been wheeled in on a gurney on his stomach. He lifted, with great effort, his hand in a fist.
A student handed Susan a letter at his last lesson before going off to college. It expressed appreciation for developing as a pianist as well as noting that what he learned reached far beyond music. He came to study with her when he was 6 and didn’t say a word, couldn’t look directly at her, and being autistic, challenged her to explain things in new ways. By the time he graduated, he was able to look at her while openly sharing his thoughts and feelings.
Susan enjoys how supportive the students are of one another, celebrating achievements, acknowledging progress and offering words of encouragement.
• Bachelor of Music, University of Southern California, cum laude
• Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music
• Music Teachers Association of California, Long Beach Branch