Michelle Metty

My name is Michelle Metty, and I teach violin and viola lessons in Amherst, MA. I teach using the Suzuki method, which is a way of learning modeled after the way children learn to speak their native language. I strive to inspire passion and love of all music, foster individuality, and provide a positive, nurturing environment for creativity and learning.

I have a Master's of Music in Suzuki Violin Pedagogy and Viola Performance from Ithaca College and have official registered training through the Suzuki Association of the Americas for violin books 1 through 8, viola books 1 through 4, and several supplemental courses. My Suzuki Association teacher listing can be found here: https://suzukiassociation.org/person-profile/?uid=275859.

The Suzuki teaching philosophy states that every child can learn an instrument given the right environment, every child is born with an innate musical ability that can be nurtured and trained, and every child should be valued and respected. Dr. Suzuki believed that if every child had the opportunity to learn an instrument, the world would be a more peaceful place. I share that belief because of what I see in my students. Children learn so many things through learning the violin. Patience, discipline, respect, commitment, etc. They make friends in group classes, connect with their parents by learning together, and create impactful relationships with their private teachers. By learning the violin with this method, children are given a voice that can speak so much more powerfully than words, and I love listening to what they have to say.