[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”278″ img_size=”600×600″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Meet Susie” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:55|text_align:center|color:%233b81bf” google_fonts=”font_family:Satisfy%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Welcome, I’m Susie Byram, owner of Larkspur Music Studio, I’m so glad you’re here! I have been teaching and piano and voice for over 35 years, and Larkspur Music studio is the product of my love of music, technique, artistry, and music education. I began my own piano instruction at the age of just seven years old, and sang in school and the church choir growing up. I received my Bachelor of Music in Piano, Voice, Organ, and Performance Education. Since that time, I’ve been performing and teaching music, and loving every moment!
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The Larkspur Philosophy
The larkspur flower is a symbol of joy. These flowers are as complex as an orchid, and need careful cultivation and nurturing to grow and flourish. Like the larkspur, each student must have the proper cultivation and careful nurturing attention to become the artist that they will one day be. At Larkspur Music Studio, I teach our students strong technique and artistry, while nurturing in them a love for music that lasts a lifetime. My philosophy is to give students the tools to succeed in whatever musical path they decide to follow, while instilling in them the joy that music brings.
Why Larkspur Music?
At Larkspur Music Studio, I believe that each and every student is unique; unique in what they enjoy playing or singing, and unique in their learning styles. Many other music studios are inhibited by their curriculum and time restraints, pushing through whether the child is understanding or not. Larkspur only enrolls a certain number of students each season, ensuring that each one receives individualized attention and personalized lesson plans, while providing professional instruction that helps them develop excellence in their craft. I am dedicated to cultivating each student’s unique style, creativity and imagination and incorporating that into each lesson.
Teaching Approach
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin
At Larkspur, I involve my students in a comprehensive and systematic approach to learning, avoiding throwing chapters of “homework” at them without giving them the incentive to work. I blend art and science to provide an effective teaching method that utilizes technology alongside creativity. I teach in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that nurtures and inspires a musical connection. I value the use of praise and encouragement in acknowledgment of accomplishments at each stage, and feel that it’s an important part of overall growth, and teach them the value of sharing their music through storytelling. I employ the method of pedagogy, which is a word derived from the Greek word, meaning literally to “lead or tend”. I used pedagogy in how I teach, as well as social pedagogy, which nurtures the whole person. Students learn discipline, understanding, communication, and respect, while fully enjoying the experience and feeling the pride of what they accomplish week by week.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”“Susie brings life back into teaching!“”]I’ve always wanted to take piano lessons, but as an adult, I felt awkward going to a local music store and being taught scales by someone younger than me! I was embarrassed at my lack of knowledge, so I never attempted to learn. When I heard about Larkspur, and spoke to Susie, I knew I’d found the place for me! This is home now, and Susie instructs me in a way that I understand, without overwhelming me or making me feel dumb. She has helped grow a love of music in me, and now whenever I want, I can sit down at the piano and play a tune….finally!” -A.L Manassas, VA
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