About the Teacher...
Susan van Wyk received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy cm laude from the California State University, Northridge, where she studied with Francoise Regnat. Earlier study was done with Neil Solomon at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, the country of her birth. Susan van Wyk was on the faculty at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music for 9 years, before moving up
to Cobb. In the years prior, Susan had the great privilege of working daily with Richard Chronister, internationally renowned pedagogue, friend and colleague of Frances Clark, and founder of the magazine for piano teachers, Keyboard Companion (now melded into Clavier Companion). van Wyk also learned from her experience working with Stephen McCurry, director of the Pasadena Conservatory, who was trained at the New School for Music Study started by Frances Clark. In these relationships, Susan was mentored in the new and transforming teaching methods put forth in the Frances Clark Music Tree series. As a member of the Music Teachers Association of California, Susan involved herself in many teaching opportunities. She has been an evaluator for piano examinations for the California Association of Professional Music Teachers, judged in local competitions in Southern California, and contributed articles on piano pedagogy in Keyboard Companion magazine. Susan has taught piano for over 30 years and her students have participated and won awards in community workshops, examinations, recitals and competitions. Susan has performed, and played for master teachers such as Karl Schnabel and Charles Fierro. She has performed at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and in other community events, but mostly has enjoyed the success of her students, some of whom have gone on to further music study at university and become music teachers and performing artists. The greatest joy of all, however, is in the delight of her youngest students who show promise and joy in their lessons each week.
