The Suzuki Approach
"The main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings. That is sufficient. If this is not their greatest hope, in the end the child may take a road contrary to their expectations. Children can play very well. We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also."
—Shinichi Suzuki
The Suzuki Triangle consists of parent, child, and teacher. It takes all three for success with this method. The parent is the at-home teacher, and practicing together can help foster a deeper parent/child relationship.
There are many reputable and effective ways to share music with children, including the Suzuki approach. Children are given positive reinforcement at lessons and at home.
You can learn more about the Suzuki Method here.
Erin Ellis
About Erin
Erin fell in love with the violin at age seven under the instruction of Natalie Colbert at E. Rivers Elementary School in Atlanta, GA. She studied violin through high school and college, and received a BA in Communications with a Minor in Music from Georgia State University.
After a lifelong study of the violin, Erin began to play the viola as a happy accident. As an undergraduate student in college, Erin’s chamber music group needed a violist to play the Schubert Trout Quintet. Never one to turn down a challenge, Erin jumped right in and never looked back. She has played viola in addition to the violin ever since.
Erin’s private studio is in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (though all lessons are currently online). After a lifetime love of playing the violin, Erin is eager to share her knowledge of music. She is especially passionate about enabling young children to express themselves through music. She taught Suzuki violin at Turtle Bay Music School until its closing.
In addition to teaching, Erin has played with the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, the Mannes Community Orchestra in New York, NY, and the Doctors Orchestral Society of New York. Erin has played on albums for recording artists in Atlanta and NYC, and also composes and records her own original music. She is currently a member of the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra.
Erin is an active member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, the American String Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association. She completed her first unit of Suzuki teacher training with Carrie Reuning-Hummel, and Unit 1 Revisited and 2 through 8 with Judy Bossuat-Gallic. Erin has also completed Suzuki in the Schools Level 1 training with Dr. Laurie Scott and Winifred Crock.
Testimonials
Erin is the Best!! I have started taking lessons again as an adult and Erin is just as excited as I am as I become familiar once again with my instrument. In a nutshell- it is so much fun and a highlight after my long work week. I can't wait until my son is old enough to play. I have no doubt that she is awesome with kids.
-Heather M.
Erin Ellis is a wonderful teacher! It is evident that she loves teaching and cares about her students. A teacher that is both passionate about teaching as well as an active and talented performer is a super rare find. If you are looking for a nurturing, and talented violin or viola teacher, I highly recommend Erin!!
-Bree L.