Lessons
Student Opportunities
In addition to weekly individual lessons, students participate in group classes, orchestra, workshops and summer institutes. We celebrate progress in bi-annual solo recitals and through optional Royal Conservatory of Music exams.
Teaching Philosophy
Every child (and adult) can develop a high level of musical skill given quality instruction and practice. I believe that music lessons nurture character, creativity, a deep appreciation of the arts and curiosity about the world around us.
Learning Together
Parents play a key role in individual lessons and practice. Students also learn by playing with one another. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant and supportive community of musicians!
Music as Language
The Suzuki Approach (sometimes called the Mother Tongue Approach) is based on language acquisition. Students develop the ability to "speak" through their instrument, then integrate note-reading skills.
Music and Purpose
Through music, we can connect with others and build a better world. Suzuki wrote, “It is in our power to educate all the children of the world to become a little better as people, a little happier.”
About
Ellen Kogut is based in Montreal, Canada and has over twelve years of experience teaching Suzuki violin. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and is completing a doctorate in violin performance at l’Université de Montréal, where she is a Marcel-Saucier fellowship recipient. She holds Master’s degrees in Suzuki Pedagogy from Ithaca College and in Violin Performance from McGill University, and is a recipient of the SAA’s Certificate of Achievement, as well as Teacher Certificates of Recognition from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). An active member and past president of Suzuki Musique Montréal, Ellen is also certified as an Advanced Specialist in Violin through the RCM. She has taught at Suzuki programs, institutes and workshops in Canada and the U.S., as well as Germany and Poland. In addition, she has taught at Cornell University and has been a contributor of violin repertoire guides for the RCM’s Teacher Certification program. Ellen maintains an active performing life as an orchestral and chamber musician and has an interest in contemporary music. She enjoys travel and languages and is also working toward yoga teacher certification. She began Suzuki teacher training after reading Nurtured by Love as a university student and continues to be inspired by Shinichi Suzuki’s vision of educating new generations of artist-humanitarians.