Pittsburgh, PA Viola Lessons

in numerous pit orchestras for musicals.
I have been in choirs and soloing since I can remember. I have performed and soloed in choirs such as the Yuba-Sutter Oratorio Society, CSUS Chamber Choir, the CSUS Women's Choir and more. I have toured to Victoria, Montreal, Ottowa, Oregon and Washington. I have also been in opera productions such as The Magic Flute, Peleas and Melisande and Die Fledermaus (The Bat) with CSUS Opera. I am a recent recipient of the Saturday Club Scholarship, a prestigious award, and have won many competitions (some repeatedly) both vocally and with violin, such as the Tri-County Competition, Young Artist Competitions, and the California Soloist and Ensemble Competitions. Additionally, I have performed musical theater repertoire and have performed as lead in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and Into the Woods. I have also soloed repeatedly with the Yuba College jazz band and at churches all around.
I have earned my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU Sacramento. I have my Associates Degrees in both Music and Early Childhood Education from Yuba College. Additionally, I have obtained my certificate of completion of training from Music Together, an organization which trains teachers to teach Basic Music Competence (both in tonality and meter), and am currently teaching this curriculum.
I have been teaching music privately for over ten years to all ages, genders and abilities. Additionally, I have taught ages 0-5 years in a preschool setting for 7 years and am extremely familiar with developmentally appropriate practices for both preschool and school age, as I am a site supervisor at a child development center with a preschool and after school program. I have had many adult students as well and encourage adults to enrich their lives with music at any age! Additionally, I have experience teaching parent child classes and am familiar with how to teach to the particular needs of each family and student.
I'm extremely excited and looking forward to growing as a professional, both teaching and performing, in both the areas of violin and voice and to be instrumental in your musical growth too; I can't wait to share my passion with you and to ignite your passion for music too!

*** Lesson Details ***
I have been teaching since 2002 and have loved every minute of it! I teach all ages. I tailor my style of teaching to each student's goals and to what works for you. If you want to learn Taylor Swift music, I won't be giving you arias. On the other hand, if you wish to study classically, I have repertoire appropriate for you. I teach fiddle, classical, orchestral, 20th century and more for violin students and have experience with jazz, classical, musical theater, pop, religious, spiritual, choral, 20th century and more vocally.
For violin students, I use the Suzuki method as a pushing off point, a tried and true method used in many countries across the world, though I have other repertoire including fiddle, orchestra, small ensemble, solo, concertos, Christmas, and more. For vocalist, I start with the book, Adventures in Singing. I also have warm ups and exercises to keep you vocally healthy. I will teach you anything you want to learn! I also teach how to read music, theory and harmony, depending on your interest and tailored to your current skill level.
I am encouraging and knowledgeable. I will meet you at your current level, be that beginner, intermediate, or advanced. My students can look forward to being encouraged and growing through their time with me. I don't have preset ideas about where you should be in 3-6 months, nor do I have a one size fits all teaching style. Instead, I will work with you individually so that you will become the best musician you can be, meet your goals, and increase your enjoyment and appreciation for music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in open space, upright piano, digital piano, music stands, metronome, violins available for rent, music, staff paper and computer

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to provide the instrument with all of it's accessories (ie shoulder rest, rosin, bow and case) along with the appropriate level Suzuki book. I have instruments available for rent. My voice students should bring their own music also. I have a piano in my studio along with music stands. Of course, every student must have a pencil and come ready to have fun learning! :)

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki, solfege, art songs and arias, reading music, fiddle, classical, healthy vocal technique and musical theater. I am very good at working with any age.

n for music. In addition, she will provide instruction on music theory and music history as part of instrumental lessons as it applies.

Susanna received her training at State University of New York at Purchase in 1991, where she received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music. In addition, she attended the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music in 2000 where she received a Masters in Music. She has studied with Sol Grietzer, Karen Dreyfus and Basil Vendryes. In addition, she received her Music Education K-12 Certification in 1995 from Carnegie Mellon University.

As an expert in her field, Susanna looks forward to helping new students achieve their goals. Her teaching style is positive, supportive, patient and constructive, focused on the individual student's needs, and enjoyable. She will work at your pace and cares about each of her students. Susanna will teach you the proper position, technique, how to read music and how to improve your playing. Susanna works with students from ages 7 through adults and believes you are never to old to learn.

I recommend weekly lessons for all students to ensure good progress. I can provide information on purchasing or renting an instrument, if needed. You can check my availability on my schedule and sign up for lessons with TakeLessons.com. Please message me with any questions or about available times for lessons. I will respond quickly. Thank you for your interest and consideration.

nteresting and fun? You’re right! For the best results you need to enjoy the entire process. That is why my lessons are always easy to understand, interesting and fun.
I would love the opportunity to assist in your growth and development in the musical arts and remember… you’re never too young or too old to start!!!

xercises to support techniques in any genre. Lisa believes music lessons should be fun and help students feel at ease!

nce.

Lisa went on to study history at the University of Pittsburgh, and later earned her law degree from Duquesne. She never forgot her violin, though, and continued to play in her spare time.

Music adds beauty to the world, and finally, after years of keeping the violin to herself, Lisa decided to share her playing with others. Lisa teaches traditional, classical method. The method books she uses include: Essential Elements for Strings, Samuel Applebaum, and All for Strings, among others. She supplements the technical exercises with repertoire from the Suzuki series. Lisa enjoys playing all types of music, in addition to classical, and teaches these songs, as well. Additional music includes pop artists like Taylor Swift, classic rock, electronic music like Lindsey Stirling, celtic, folk, and just about any other type of music you can think of. As a teacher, Lisa strives to be positive and encouraging. She believes that music should be fun, so her main goal is to make sure her students are having a good time!

l, New York, Guest performance with American String Quartet
- Viola Recitals and Graduation Recital (2009, 2011, 2013)
- Chery Hills Community Church, Chamber Performance, Denver
- St. John’s Church, Chamber Orchestra, New Jersey

Canada:
- National Art Center, Chamber Concert, Ottawa
- Queen Elizabeth School, Chamber Recital, Moncton

China:
- Shanghai Conservatory invitation for String Quartet Recital, Shanghai
- French School, String Quartet with School Chorus, Beijing
- Central Conservatory Recital Hall, Viola Recital, Beijing

Scholarship and Award:
- Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY
Manhattan School of Music Scholarship, 2008-2016
Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition Winner, 2008-2015
Hugo Kortschak Award, For Chamber Music accomplishment, 2014
- Third Prize, MSM String Concerto Competition, 2011
- Second Prize, 5 Towns String Competition, 2010
- Third Prize, Heida Hermanns String Competition, Westport, CT 2014
- Special Award, Bled International Viola Competition, Bled, Slovenia, 2006

o improve each week in their technique and overall musicality. Each lesson is tailored to the individual students and she wants her students to have fun, love music and improve throughout their lessons. She typically uses the Suzuki books, the Barbara Barber scale method and student requests to help them achieve their musical goals. Brynn would love to help pass her passion for music along to her students and cannot wait to work with you!

Brynn offers lessons in the Youngstown and Pittsburgh area throughout the week at her home studio for the summer and her teacher location year round. Online lessons are available at both locations!

Brynn has child abuse clearances and criminal background checks (with fingerprints) in OH and PA.