Student Comments
"More than a music teacher, Suzanne is a spiritual guide. If you know that the music already exists in your soul and you're looking for help in allowing it to flow through you, visit Suzanne and let the miracle of music manifest in your life." ~ Betty
"One of the best music teachers I' ve had. I have had a number of music teachers in my life - I have my ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano performance, and I also play the flute. Suzanne's cello lessons are a wonderful balance the technical, the emotional and the artistic elements of creating music. She has focused on guiding me to create music on the cello since the first day I touched the instrument." ~ Stefanie
"Suzanne is the best! She is always nice and funny, I have learned a lot from her, even the attitude to life. I love it when she says"Let go...":)" ~ Qing
"I highly recommend CelloChan to anyone who loves the cello! Suzanne's holistic approach to the instrument has helped to radically transform my son's approach to performing and how he sees himself as a person. Her expertise and knowledge of all of the various little details of correct hand & body positioning literally improved my son's sound after his initial lesson! I have watched my son transform in the past four years under Suzanne's tutelage from a kid who picked up the cello in fifth grade and "liked to play the cello as something to do"; to a matured gentleman who discovered after many years of "something to do" that he loves to play the cello and plans on being a music major in cello performance next year. Suzanne has a direct, honest approach to her students and a fair amount of patience when life events get in the way of practice. She sets her lesson plans and goals based on the goals of each of her student's aspirations. She is respectful and does not force people to do things they don't want to do, yet at the same time she knows when to throw in challenges to help them progress. It has been a real treat to see the improvement of all of her students over the years at the various CelloChan student recitals. These recitals are a real gift to the students and families! My son's confidence and self-esteem as a musician has been greatly improved upon, thanks to these recitals. I guess what I appreciate the most about Suzanne, has been her ability to help my son over the years see his musical potential and ultimately believe in it & achieve his musical goals. She has been a true gift to our family!" ~ Shonda
"Dedication, innovation, and patience, are just some of the strengths of Suzanne Smith's CelloChan program. Suzanne mixes body, mind, and practice (key practice!) in order to break through common barriers. As someone who has struggled with the consistency of practicing, Suzanne continuous to push me firmly and kindly. She does not shy away from engaging your stage of playing, at whatever level. A supremely talented and motivating cello teacher, you will improve in ways you didn't expect. I am completely in love with my cello playing now." ~ Pilar
"An Unexpected Gift Playing an instrument is something I have wanted to do the whole of my adult life but playing the cello was not something I ever considered. I jokingly tell people that after an uncanny series of events that the cello chose me! One of those events included finding Suzanne's flier in an unexpected place and upon reading it knowing she was the teacher for me. I have been playing the cello for a little over a year now and am continually amazed at how much I get out of the experience. It is about so much more than music for me. It has been about self-discovery, physical awareness, and looking at life-long patterns. The cello has been the tool with which I am making some significant changes in my life as well as the salve to heal old wounds. Suzanne has been so much more than a music teacher through all this. I feel as though every lesson is additionally a counseling session and I always come away with some little nugget to contemplate and work on the following week. Her Buddhist background and practice of meditation is woven throughout her teaching. Her perceptiveness and unnerving ability to see to the root of an issue always make lessons an eye-opening experience. Everyday I thank the universe for bringing Suzanne and the cello into my life." ~ Gabrielle
"Educating the whole child Suzanne is a gifted teacher who is capable of bringing out the best in her students. She has an uncanny way of getting to know her students as individuals, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and honing in on the unique key to motivating each individual. She inspires and helps each child find their own intrinsic motivation to make beautiful music rather than being forceful and regimented. Our son has really blossomed as a musician and we are so grateful to Suzanne for helping him find this means of expressing his creativity." ~ Sandra
"cellochan ;) I have been in the cellochan program for about 4 years now, and am enjoying every lesson, recital and cellchan event! Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and knows hot to teach with my learning style very well. I have grown as a cellist, a musician, and a person while learning cello under her teaching. i would recommend cellochan to anyone varying in age from 7-70, it is a great place to begin as a cellist and continue learning as a musician." ~ KA
"Terrific experience Suzanne taught my children not just to play an instrument but to make music, and it helped them discover that making music is a lasting pleasure. The musical education they received as students in the cellochan program was excellent--equally valuable to their development as people, though, was program's focus on music-making as service. As an adult cellochan student myself, I found a place where playing music is all about fellowship, self-discovery, and service. Performances become opportunities to enjoy music and company of other musicians rather than occasions for anxiety, self-recrimination, or competitiveness. Playing in an ensemble with other adult cellochan students has not only helped me improve my playing but has also reminded me of the most important part of making music: sharing the joy." ~ Elizabeth
"Suzanne knows how to get the best out of her students My son has had tremendous success at cellochan. Suzanne is patient and supportive and knows how to work with each student to get them to perform at their best. She provides many opportunities for students to perform in front of audiences, both within the group and as part of community service activities." ~ Susan