Helen Shoemaker - Suzuki Piano & Flute

Helen Shoemaker has taught Suzuki Piano and Flute at Music/Arts Institute® ® since January of 2001, and has taught the Suzuki Method since 1989.

Her early music training took place at the Hochstein Music School, Rochester, New York. While there, she was chosen to play flute in their Concerto Competition, and represented the school with performances on public television.

Shoemaker holds the degree Bachelor of Arts in Music—Piano from the University of Kentucky. Regular performances take place as accompanist for the Lees Summit First Church of the Nazarene, in addition to numerous weddings and accompaniment of her students.

Her teaching philosophy is based on Suzuki's well-tested tenets of how young children can learn a musical instrument to a high degree of proficiency and artistry through:

• Listening to master's recordings
• Review of learned music
• Small, progressive steps
• Active parental involvement
• A nurturing, respectful environment

Note reading is taught, but delayed, until a level of musicianship and understanding of the instrument is attained.