Vanessa Gordon's Music

I have been playing music for most of my life. I can’t remember a time before I started playing the piano. Music for me has been a way to connect with people of different ages and different backgrounds. It is a way of communicating without words.

My first musical influence was Western European “Classical” music. Later I became interested in many different types of music, especially Jazz, Blues, Boogie Woogie piano, American Old Time and Celtic music.

In the early 1990’s I started going to Bluegrass festivals and many had fiddle contests. Some of the best young fiddlers were Suzuki trained. I realized that it was the combination of ear training and technique that enabled them to play well and learn quickly. This sparked my interest in the Suzuki method. After moving to Texas, I was fortunate to take Suzuki Piano teacher training with Dr Doris Harrel. I liked what I learnt about the Suzuki philosophy; - that every child has the potential to learn to play musically, if given the right environment and support. I do not expect all of my students to become professional musicians. I do hope that all will enjoy making music and that their lives will be enriched by it. I enjoy teaching music and observing children learn. I hope that you and your children will enjoy the journey.

Musical Training:

Studied Music at SA College of Music, University of Cape Town.

Suzuki Piano Teacher Training with Dr Doris Harrel, Piano Bks 1 - 5.

Suzuki Violin Teacher Training with Nancy Lokken, Ed Kreitman, Ed Sprunger, Dr. Laurie Scott, Charles Krigbaum, Violin Bks 1-4.

Ongoing Suzuki teacher training workshops and continuing education courses through SAA, HOTSO & GASA.

Irish Fiddling - Various master teachers through the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat.