About Our Founder
Sue Lewis, violinist, pianist, composer and teacher, graduated from Portland State University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in music. In 1996 she won two Medals of Distinction from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London, England for violin performance and music theory. Also, in 2001 she received a Merit Award from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London, England for viola performance. Sue has performed in musical pit orchestras, string quartets, the Vancouver Symphony, and rock, jazz and blue grass bands in the Vancouver, Portland Metro area. Sue plays all the stringed instruments in various venues. Sue brings 15 years of teaching experience in individual and group lessons using a variety of modern and traditional methods.
Sue's philosophy on music education is modeled after a highly successful program in Corvallis Oregon. After Measure 11 caused severe cuts in music, the Corvallis High School orchestra teacher formed a non profit to pay for the music program. His program turned out to be much more effective than what had been in place before the cuts. Sue also models her program after the highly successful Venezuela music program called El Sistema as seen on 60 Minutes. http://elsistemausa.org One of the main goals Sue has for Music 4 Kids is to be able to hire one of the fellows trained in El Sistema coming out of The New England Conservatory's two year post graduate program in the US.
Instruction starts in Kindergarten and earier if possible using Kodaly and Orff methods involving singing and movement games. While being fun, at the same time these games are highly structured and designed to teach pitch and rhythm skills. This training enables students to progress quickly and with ease when introduced to ensemble playing in choir, band and orchestra.
Students are gradually introduced to scales, arpeggios, music theory, ear training, sight reading, singing and dance in a spiraling curriculum that adds new skills as students are ready. Singing, dance and piano reinforce playing skills in a fun way that allows for discovering other talents and creative potential All this works together to produce "the complete musician". The complete musician is a person who has excellent rhythm, pitch, note reading skills and creativity, a person who can enjoy and appreciate music in it's various forms over a lifetime whether it be for personal enjoyment or as a career.
For the intermediate and advanced player who wants to audition for university scholarships, an accelerated intensive course is available in partnership with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. In this program, the student is prepared for a once a year rigorous exam requiring the playing of select pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight reading and ear training. The candidate performs for the visiting Associated Board Examiner from London England and is graded on a point system. Upon passing the student receives a beautiful certificate and additional awards for high scores. Once a year at a separate time, a written exam for music theory is taken. The exams are graded 1 to 8 and can be classical or jazz depending on the candidate's choice. 503-268-2404
Location:
1040 NE 58th Ave
Portland, OR 97213
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM
Sat: - Closed
Sun: Closed
