Praised for his “phenomenal musical expression” (James Ehnes), award-winning violinist Zifan Ivan Li is a dynamic international performer. Born and raised in Dalian, China, Ivan began his life-long passion for the violin at the age of five, under the tutelage of his father, a guest concertmaster and pedagogue. He continued his studies in Japan for three years at the age of 16 and performed several recitals in Ibaraki.Ivan graduated with Distinction from Brandon University, and during his years of musical training at Brandon University, Ivan received invaluable mentorship from Kerry DuWors, ...

Wendy Seravalle-Smith has music and education degrees from University of Western Ontario and extensive training in Suzuki method in violin; viola and cello including studies with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan. She is the director of the Thornhill School of Suzuki String Teaching and teaches violin; viola and cello from beginner to advanced levels. Wendy has been on the violin and viola faculty of Ithaca Suzuki Institute; Montreal Suzuki Institute; Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute; Ottawa(Kansas) Suzuki Institute; American Suzuki Institute in Wisconsin and National Music Camp. Teachers ...

As an experienced multi-instrumentalist and neurodivergence specialist, Ursa has been teaching music for 8 years and performing since she was 9 years old. She began her musical journey at age 5 on the piano through Music for Young Children, and added the violin at age 6 through SuzukiMusic and the Ottawa Suzuki Strings under Rosemarie Klimasko. Ursa attended Canterbury High School where she studied in the strings program under John Pohran and Janice Mah. During this time, she discovered her love of the viola and began lessons with NACO’s Paul Casey. In post-secondary, she studied Viola ...

Susan Beth Barak; BA (Hons); MEd. Susan deeply believes in the Suzuki philosophy and is grateful to have a wonderful group of students and families in the Heart-Strings studio. Besides private and group lessons; Heart-Strings students enjoy performing throughout the community throughout the year; and fundraise for charitable organizations in the true Suzuki spirit. From senior residences to Fairy Lake to Pickering College to the Cardinal Golf Club to the Bradford Arts Centre and area churches; Heart-Strings students share their love of music all around York Region and South Simcoe. ...

Sharon Jones is a violinist and singer. She began her violin studies as one of the first Suzuki students in Ontario. At the age of 11; she had the unique opportunity to work with Dr. Suzuki at an International Society of Music Educators Conference in Canada as part of a small group of North American children. She later worked with Dr. Suzuki again in Berlin and in the United States. Other Suzuki mentors over the years include Alice Joy Lewis; and Bill Starr. Post-secondary studies included the Musical Theatre Program at Sheridan College and Voice Performance at Western University. Sharon is ...

Serena enjoys teaching children; teens and adults of all levels. She believes that people thrive in an atmosphere that is loving and supportive while being challenged to excel through discipline and focus. Serena's studio culture is carefully nurtured to focus on technical efficiency; musical expression; peer encouragement; and joy for the making of music. Serena holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts with a focus on Education; and a Bachelor of Education. She has also completed Suzuki Teacher Training in Book 1; 2 and 3. She has 3 children of her own; involved in music with various instruments and ...