Cynthia has taught privately for over 26 years in the Los Angeles area, in Richland, WA for 6 years and now in Vancouver, WA. Her teaching technique includes both traditional and Suzuki methods while also combining theory, rhythm, note reading, ear training along with repertoire into lessons. Students participate in festivals, recitals, theory classes, and sometimes evaluations and small ensembles throughout the year. Member of National Music Teachers Association
Music Teacher's Association of Clark County and Tri-Cities
Past member/participation of:
Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC)
Certificate of Merit
Evaluator for Certificate of Merit of California
Coach for various festivals, camps and workshops
ASTA, America String Teachers Association
Suzuki Teacher Certification
Suzuki Association of the Americas
Cynthia currently teaches private music lessons, coaches and adjudicates chamber music ensembles and online theory classes to string players. She enjoys giving her “knowledge to the next generation of musicians and music appreciators.”
Past students have won scholarships to Gonzaga University, Azuza Pacific University, Whitman Collage and the Eleanor Haney-Bessie Shepherd Senior Scholarship for violin. Each year, her students (95%) would be invited to perform at the Honors Recital for Music Teachers Association Evaluations, ranging from Levels 4 - Level 9. All Levels Prep – Level 3 receive the top two ratings of “Excellent” and some “Good” on evaluation forms and at least a 90% on theory exams….. and have a SMILE on their face! …Often times even while going into the exam! Cynthia has also developed strings programs and taught beginning classes and orchestra at Goethe International Charter School in Los Angeles, WISH middle school, Los Angeles and Orchard Elementary school, Richland, WA. She also created a Holiday Students' Ensemble which performed during the holidays for various audiences from Shopping malls with Santa to Senior Citizen Homes. She has performed in many orchestras both within and out of the Los Angeles area, performed concert tours in Asia, recorded for film, performed in Europe, appeared in TV shows, commercials, and movies. Examples of orchestras performed in include:
American Youth Symphony under the direction of Mr. Mehta (1st violin)
Debut Orchestra (YMF, LA Phil)
Several Los Angeles based Opera companies (concertmaster)
Cypress Pops Orchestra (1st violin)
La Mer String Quartet
Torrance Symphony
Broadway touring musical orchestra: Asia
and many more
Cynthia has performed for such names as Mehli Mehta, Zubin Mehta, Plácido Domingo and Ray Charles
Cynthia earned a Bachelor's of Music degree through a scholarship from the California State University of Long Beach and has studied under:
Joanne Ausmus-Baker
Elizabeth Holburn, former student of Dorthy DeLay
John Wittenberg, a top LA studio violinist
Peter Marsh
She has also observed many masterclasses with Jerome Pernoo. Cynthia comes from a family of musicians and music teachers. Her mother was a pianist and opera singer, winning a position with Alla Scala in Italy. Her eldest daughter plays violin and younger daughter plays cello. Both perform with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland.
