About Susan

Susan Sponheim grew up in a musical family, learning the violin and the piano at an early age. In college, Susan continued her study of music, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. Continuing on to graduate school, she earned a Master of Music degree, specializing in violin performance. Upon completing her formal education, Susan became a professional violinist in the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for many years. During her tenure in the Symphony, Susan became fascinated with the Suzuki method of teaching violin. She studied it in many summer courses and used it in her own private studio. As time went on, Susan also earned her Louisiana teacher certification in instrumental music, which qualified her to teach in the public schools. Following her retirement from the Symphony, she taught an adaptation of the Suzuki method in the public schools for a number of years. Susan now teaches private students in Springfield and plays in the Springfield-Drury Civic Orchestra.