"We Listen!".
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Neil Hollister has been patiently guiding his students with South West Music School since 1998. Neil has a Bachelors’ Degree in Music from University of Portland and a Masters in Music from University of Washington. Neil began teaching violin in 1998. He teaches private lessons as well as group lessons through SWMS and Oregon Episcopal School. He has coached both adult and youth orchestras, and has performed with many orchestras and ensembles playing classical and jazz music. When he’s not teaching, Neil also likes to eat; and so tries to garden, cook, and...eat! “Neil is incredibly patient with his students. He teaches gradually and makes sure each student understands so that the entire group progresses. Neil is friendly and non-intimidating.” Contact Info: hollisterviolins@yahoo.com
Suzanne Gaye has been encouraging her students since the inception of South West Music School in 1995. Suzanne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Denison University and a Masters in Music Education from Southern Illinois University. She trained under John Kendall, the premier Suzuki teacher and trainer in the United States while at SIU. Suzanne has taught for over thirty years in Oregon, teaching violin and orchestra in the public schools including Conestoga Middle, Aloha High and various elementary schools. She currently teaches orchestra at Whitford Middle School. She also maintains a private violin studio. Suzanne’s teaching experience includes twenty-five years of summer institutes as well as adjudicating music competitions. In her spare time, Suzanne loves to swim, play Scottish fiddle, and travel with her husband. ”Suzanne has the ability to understand the students’ needs and learning style. She adjusts her methods to each student in her group class, so that all of the kids can progress at the same speed. It is a combination of nurturing and firmness that young students need.” Carol Mathew has been calmly encouraging her students with South West Music School since 2008. Carol has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Masters in Dance and Education. Carol has fourteen years experience as an elementary education string teacher in addition to thirteen years as an elementary general music teacher at Beaverton Schools including Oak Hills Elementary. As a violinist herself, she has studied with Bertha Leeder, Kathryn Gray and Dolores D'aigle. In addition to teaching for SWMS, Carol is a substitute teacher in the Beaverton School District. “Carol is very patient and an enthusiastic musician. She’s the best.”
Chris Gaye has been joyfully teaching with South West Music School since 2001. Chris began playing violin at the age of three and has studied privately with the Suzuki method. He attended the Pacific Northwest Suzuki Institutes. He has received a degree in Audio Engineering Technology from Trebas Institute in Vancouver, BC. He also graduated from Vancouver Film School in Sound Design for Visual Media. Chris began his teaching career as a swim instructor for Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District. Chris plays violin, upright bass, and electric bass guitar. Chris is active in the local music community and has been in several bands. He has also taught upright and electric bass privately. When he’s not teaching, Chris writes and records his own music and does freelance recording and audio editing.
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