Dr. Mike Harris (parent): “This is a completely different experience for students than the usual ‘music lessons’! Susie is not only someone who can
connect with her students, she also clearly loves teaching. By
using popular music that is easily accessible even to younger students, she
teaches theory together with keyboard skills. By having the students record
their performances, they have something permanent to show their progress; my
children love to listen to ‘their’ CD’s and even have their performances
on their Ipods! If I had a music teacher like Susie when I was younger, I
certainly would have stayed with music lessons much longer than I did”.
Ann Siembieda (parent): “My Daughter, age 12, loves
playing songs of her choice. Susie has arranged piano versions of
everything from the Ramones to Sheryl Crow, while also introducing Moonlight
Sonata to her. When my daughter started piano, she was frustrated by lessons
which relied solely on sight-reading. Susie’s method of getting her to
understand pop/rock chord progressions revived her interest, and is making her a
more independent improviser. Susie uses methods that each student responds
to.”Leah Whippy (age 11): “I have a ton of fun here at Alleycats. After my three other teachers, Susie makes the great stuff she is teaching fun and exciting. I love it when she asks me….’So what song do you want to do next?’. She lets it be all up to me!”
Makaela Susnow (age 17): “Susie is an amazing
teacher. She has a method of teaching that focuses on the area that you desire
to excel in. She teaches in a way that is fun and always interesting. I have
been studying with her for four years and have been entertained the whole time,
as well as progressed dramatically.”