About Lia Taylor


Lia Taylor is the founder and director of the Suzuki Violin Studio of Phoenix, a private violin and viola studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taught music for 18 years and has been teaching the Suzuki method in the Valley for the past thirteen years. During that time, her students have placed in the American String Teachers Association Solo Competition, won the Scottsdale Musical Arts’ Young Artist Competition, and held Concertmaster and Principal Second positions in the Phoenix Youth Symphony String Orchestra, Phoenix Youth Symphony Symphonette, and Metropolitan Youth Symphony.

Taylor earned a BM in Violin Performance from Cleveland State University and an MM in Violin Performance Pedagogy from Arizona State University. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Oregon, she immersed herself in the Suzuki Method guided by her teacher, Judy Bossuat-Gallic, who studied directly with Shinichi Suzuki in Japan.

Taylor is a registered teacher on Violin Books 1—6 (including Every Child Can and the Practicum) with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Taylor is a first violinist in the Tempe Symphony. Her past performance ensembles include MusicaNova Orchestra, Corvallis Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and Musica Lozzo Chamber Ensemble. Her former teachers include Dr. Katherine McLin, Molly Fung Dumm, and Fritz Gearhart.

About Suzuki


The Suzuki Method

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) created a special method of music education called Talent Education.  He believed that every child can learn and that talent is not inborn, it is nourished and developed over time with love.  Suzuki realized that all children learn their native language with ease so he applied the principles of language acquisition to the learning of music.  He called this the mother-tongue approach. 

His method of teaching is successful when these key principles are followed:

  • - Parent Involvement
  • - Early Beginning
  • - Listening
  • - Repetition
  • - Encouragement
  • - Learning with Other Children
  • - Graded Repertoire
  • - Delayed Reading 

 

Recommended Reading

  • Nurtured by Love - Shinichi Suzuki>
  • Ability Development from Age Zero - Shinichi Suzuki
  • The Suzuki Violinist - William Starr

FAQS

+ What age can my child start Suzuki violin lessons?

The studio accepts children ages 3 and up.

+ What is the Parent's responsibility?

When a child is ages 3--6, the parent is responsible for learning how to play the violin and taking lessons with the child. This includes sharing a 30 minute weekly lesson, renting or purchasing a full sized violin, and dedicating time to practice at home in addition to the time the parent spends with the child's practice. The parent is the "home teacher" so it is very important that they know how to play the violin. From ages 6 and up the parent is responsible for attending the lessons and taking notes. The parent may ask questions, but it is their job to stay in the background as much as possible to let the teacher and student have a productive lesson.

+ What size violin does my child need?

Music stores and charts on the internet often size children in instruments that are too large. It is best to wait until you begin lessons so that the Suzuki teacher can properly size your child.

+ Will my child start lessons with a real violin?

Children ages 3--6 will begin lessons with a "box" violin that the studio will provide. When the child is ready he/she will graduate to a real violin.

+ When do you introduce note reading?

On a per child basis, the studio introduces note reading at one of two milestones. Either when the child's technique is solid or when the child is half way through book 1.

 

Suzuki Links

International Suzuki Association
Suzuki Association of the Americas
Arizona Suzuki Association

Information


Using the calendar to switch lessons

In order to switch your lesson time, please contact another student to propose a swap. If agreed upon, contact Lia to notify her at least 5 hours before the first lesson.


Quick Info

Lia Taylor
(541) 335.9673
suzukiviolinphx@gmail.com

 

Address

4516 E Michian Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85032

 

Semester Dates

The fall semester runs from August 2nd, 2021 until December 17th, 2021.

Fall break is from Monday October 4th, 2021 until Sunday October 10th, 2021. There will be no lessons at this time.

The Fall recital is Saturday December 10th at 4pm at Central United Methodist Church.

 

Rates

Please contact Mrs. Taylor about current tuition rates.

 

Policies

Click here to download

Testimonials


"There can be no better testimonial for Lia than her students. They consistently shine wherever they go. And it's no surprise after you see the effort and care Lia puts into each one. She goes above and beyond to help her students maximize their potential. Her attention to technique and details is unrivaled. She doesn't just teach violin, she trains musicians. Her students don't just play notes, they make music."

- Anita

"Mrs. Lia Taylor is a one in a million teacher. The amount of care and attention to detail she possesses is rare. As an educator myself, I can appreciate her approach. She holds children accountable and she will do whatever it takes to help your child succeed. I cannot recommend Mrs. Taylor enough for serious violin students. I am grateful my children study with her. "

- Caroline

"Changing violin teachers isn't easy, but when it's done you want to know you're making the right decision. Having my daughter involved in several Suzuki camps and workshops, I knew what I wanted from a teacher. Lia's open communication was one of the key decisions in selecting this studio. Having seen several of Lia's students perform, I knew she offered the technique and skills to help my daughter not only gain mastery of music but to create music."

- Sara

"My daughters have been taking lessons from Mrs. Taylor for eight years. The level of confidence and discipline they demonstrate is beyond my expectations and their Suzuki practice influences all other areas of their lives: academics and relationships with friends, family and peers. "

- Willey

"After studying with Lia for 4 years I can honestly say that she is among the best of the best! She is there for me every week encouraging me to reach all of my goals. Lia has not only taught me how to practice and perform, but to apply what I’ve learned, such as perseverance and determination, to life as well"

- Arielle (student)

"Lia is a very skilled artist and teacher. My daughter has taken lessons from Lia for the past 3 years. Lia is nurturing for the young player and progressively demanding on her more experienced students, enabling them to be the best they can be. Her ability to work with all levels of students is very impressive."

- Terri

Resources


Contact Mrs. Taylor