Suzuki Method is a brilliant methodology that is centered around the teacher, student, parent triangle. Each side of the triangle has a significant role in the learning process. Additionally, the ear training from an early age parallels with natural language development. The method and repertoire are fabulous - yet requires significant parent participation.

Traditional methods utilize a variety of well planned and incremental technique building exercises and repertoire. Traditional studies often introduce reading earlier, allowing the student to own more of the learning experience. Young learners still require parent guidance and supervision during practice at home.

A Combination of both methods allow the flexibility to meet the learning style and needs of each individual student and family. My teaching library utilizes the Suzuki repertoire balanced with a collection of outstanding Traditional method books.

It is challenging for many students to embrace the value of Improving over Advancing.

Improving focuses on truly learning to play your instrument better - mastery. This takes intentional practice and setting a routine. Ironically, playing slowly and on purpose may actually take LESS time and result in FASTER progress in the long run! Set up a routine so that you ENJOY practicing and you will celebrate playing with ‘no stumbles, no stops’!

Advancing focuses on learning new pieces quickly. Simply going through the motions comes at the expense of not truly getting better at playing your instrument. This often results in fast practice - rushing and playing through pieces/exercises. The lack of intentional playing creates bad habits and reinforces mistakes.

Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.

-J. Flanagan

I approach my work with a great deal of sensitivity through intuitive connection. My goal is to provide a transformational experience, rather than a transactional one.

I show up real. Most times weird. And often with a good dose of humor.

All that to say, I am anything but tentative. I believe in honesty and integrity - and I push the artists I work with to do the same. At first, we build trust and a safe space to show up in an authentic way. But then we go deeper…

Studio44 is a brave space that allows artists to make mistakes, learn, grow, and celebrate success. I’m going to give it to you straight. But it will be in a way that celebrates you as the brilliant individual you are and that you are becoming.

It takes one to know one.

Typically artists are expected to conform to a cookie cutter formula that may both look and feel like forcing a square peg in a round hole. The challenge here is often the square peg is destroyed in traditional attempts to fit in.

Why Neurocomplex? I recently came across this evolving definition and it resonated with me. The idea of ‘complexity’ captures more variance and nuance than traditional 2E or Neurodiverse descriptions or diagnoses. It encompasses the artistic and gifted variable that allows a more robust interpretation.

Studio 44 utilizes an open framework that allows a customized path of support and liberation, with a particular focus on Neurocomplex artists.

Often Neurocomplex artists will experience leaps in their growth trajectory. This is both exciting and challenging as the artist moves toward a high performing or professional level. The leaps can present gaps in basic skill building techniques that are vital to continued success of a high performer. Identifying and supporting the development of those skills - making them replicable - allows the artist to take charge of their ambition and mastery.