Start right, go far.

The violin is one of the most expressive and delightful instruments in the orchestra, but if you want to play well, you need a solid grasp of the fundamentals. Our Suzuki violin program looks beyond "playing the song" and teaches students how to play the instrument. From the very first notes of the "Twinkle Variations" through the advanced pieces in the upper level books, our emphasis is on developing the good habits and techniques that the best violinists need in order to get the most from this beautiful instrument. After all, the better you play, the more enjoyment you'll get out of playing!

Beginning violin students can start as young as age 4, and will begin learning on the very first day. Lessons are 30 minutes per week for beginning students, with 45- or 60-minute lessons available for more advanced students as needed. All beginning students attend regular group lessons, and more advanced students participate in chamber music.

Instructor

Ann Nutter

Instructor

Ann Nutter, a registered Suzuki violin and viola teacher (books 1-8), has been teaching in Pennsylvania for the past 17 years. She owns and manages House of Piano and Strings LLC in Zelienople PA (www.hopsstudio.com). Her students have performed locally in recitals at Lazier’s, BottleBrush Art Gallery, Sherwood Oaks, Passavant recital halls, The Strand Theater, various churches and outdoor venues and have been recognized as soloists and leaders in Youth and PMEA organizations at all levels.

She is a member of the Suzuki Association of America, American String Teachers Association and Youngstown Music Teacher’s Association.

Ann started piano at age 6 and violin at age 8. During school years in Northern California, she played in youth orchestras, school orchestras, local chamber groups and recitals. In college she majored in music and liberal arts education. She studied with Anne Crowden (Calif State University Sonoma) then Delight Malitsky (IUP). She played with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Baroque Sinfonia, Johnstown Symphony, IUP Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Philharmonic, Dana Symphony (YSU), Dana Chamber Orchestra, and various chamber groups in US, UK and Western Europe. Ann also teaches piano and performs as a piano accompanist for her own students in local recitals as well as monthly honors recitals with the Youngstown Music Teachers Association.

Luke Carter

Accompanist

We welcome Luke Carter as an accomplished guitar accompanist at HOPS. Luke studied guitar locally at the Duane Davis School of Guitar Performance and has years of experience accompanying bands and productions. After graduating from Seneca Valley SHS, Luke attended Robert Morris University and graduated with a BA in film. He now works for Strayer University as well as free lancing in film production.