Mandi Vance

Suzuki student turned parent and teacher. My passion is in helping young children to develop a love for music and to develop life skills by learning to play violin.

I started violin at the age of 3 and continued into college, completing all 10 Suzuki violin books and participating in orchestras and chamber groups along the way.  I completed the Suzuki violin pedagogy program at the University of Oregon for Suzuki Books 1-3, which included teaching both privately and in group settings with the Community Music Institute.  I went on to receive SAA-registered training for Books 4-8.  I have taught for over a decade in Washington, New York, Oregon, and online.  I currently have an active studio based in Eugene, OR. Thanks to online teaching, I have had the honor of teaching students all over the world and have loved watching each student, near or far, grow as a musician and human being.

I received a Bachelor of Architecture with Minor in Music from the University of Oregon and a Masters in Architectural Studies in Acoustics from Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. While varied, I have found that my schooling actively helps me be a better teacher. I can frequently be found geeking out with my students over the acoustics of their violins. 

In addition to being a Suzuki student myself and now teaching the Suzuki method to my students, I am also a Suzuki parent to two budding violinists. I know the struggles and realities of practicing with children every day. In the Suzuki method, Dr Suzuki wanted the student, teacher, and parent to be partners  (known as the Suzuki Triangle) and I have firsthand experience in each role., better enabling me to empathize and encourage both student and parent in the learning process.