I moved to Bloomington Indiana as of June 2011 and am now accepting new students

Who I am:

At the age of four I began playing Suzuki Violin. I studied in Indiana Universities' Young Violinists' Program through High School, when I switched from Violin to Viola, going on to receive a Bachelor in Music in Viola Performance from Indiana University and a Masters in Music, also in Viola Performance, from the University of Texas at Austin. I began my own private studio in Syracuse, NY in 1997, until I moved back "home" to Indiana in 2002 where I have continued running my private Studio in Avon, IN. I have served as a "strings" instructor for the Lebanon school district in Indiana, as well as chamber music coach and counselor in music summer camps. I am Concert Master for the Hendricks Symphonic Orchestra, and I have recently started a young strings program for the students of the Montessori Academy of Indianapolis, where I also teach music.

My Studio Philosophy:

The essence of Suzuki Philosophy is the belief that natural talent and ability can be fostered in every child through training and nurturing the natural growth process and by recognizing a child's natural curiosity. It is also said that true learning and skill development are best accomplished when a child's thoughts and ideas are constantly stimulated and reinforced by parents and teachers working together.

My goals as a teacher are to foster the joy of music-making, and to create a positive learning environment. Feedback must come often and be constructive in a kind atmosphere and reinforced at home as well as during lessons. Realizing that development takes time, students must be encouraged to see the "big picture"; know that learning can be fun but also takes practice.

I truly believe that one size does not fit all. People are unique individuals; each person has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and his or her own unique way of learning. I pledge to help my students discover and foster these by helping each individual student learn music in a professional but nurturing environment, passing on my own love of music to each and every one.

- Rebecca Conway Axsiom