Martha D. Shackford

I have been a violin teacher for 50 years. I hold a degree from Oberlin Music Conservatory, and am a Suzuki Association of the Americas violin Teacher Trainer. I dearly love what I do! Coming from 4 generations of teachers on both sides of my family, I eat, breathe and dream about teaching. I love the way I experience the world as a teacher. I have lived in Arkansas where I founded a Suzuki school, conducted a youth orchestra, and played in the North Arkansas Symphony. My studio in Washington DC was very rewarding, going to Bolivia on a concert tour. I directed the Suzuki Prep School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Living in Portland, OR, i had a violin studio, did a great deal of teacher training, and headed up a non-profit which served a low income public elemantary school. I now live in Florida where I have a studio. I have been fortunate to travel a lot in my job: (Canada, Peru, Chile, China), and Bolivia where I started the first Suzuki program in 1987. Many of my students have gone on to major conservatories, and many more have gone on to enjoy a life time of violin playing.

My entire career is and has been pure joy! Music is in my my bones. I firmly know that music is not a frill of life, but a necessary part of being human. With this in mind, I do not believe that there are some people for whom music will work and those for whom it will not. I have taught thousands of students of all ages and love the variety I have been priviledged to share. Each person learns in his/her own special style, and this fascinates me. I hold each person with whom I am fortunate to teach with the utmost respect, and accept them where they are at the moment. In short, I am a passionate teacher.