Justin Kauflin, former student writes:
The training I received through the Twinklers to Sizzlers program under the direction of Suzanne Schreck has been, to say the least, invaluable to me as a professional musician. The instructional method implemented in this program not only helped me develop as a competent and successful musician, but also helped me develop strong leadership skills in all aspects of life, including school and professional worlds. Through her instruction, I developed the capability, not only to learn accurately by ear, but to commit scores of music to memory; possess an understanding of what it takes to properly lead fellow musicians, as well as how to present myself as a confident and professional musician. As I continue my career as a jazz pianist, I constantly astound people with my ability to learn complex arrangements after listening to it only once or twice. Additionally, the experience gained from playing in ensembles contributed greatly to my ability to communicate with fellow musicians simply by listening, without relying on eye contact or external gestures. The various skills and discipline Ms. Schreck instilled in me have been highly instrumental to my success as a performing musician all along the east coast, and I will be forever grateful to her!
Shannon Beamon, read at her graduation performance:
I have been with Ms. Sue since I was four years old. I was there when the chairs in the studio were blue. I was there before the DVD recorder was installed. Better yet, I was there before the camera itself was installed. I have had the privilege to be with Ms. Sue when Twinklers to Sizzlers... played at Chrysler Hall, Washington D.C., and even in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have had the privilege to be taught by her from the earliest Tucka Tucka Stop Stop on the E String to the latest songs whose names are invariably long and ususally contain some kind of number. I have been with Ms. Sue through innumerable concerts and recitals. I have seen songs come and go from her concert schedules (and eventually come back again). I have seen her change practice exercises and reinvent fingerings, been there as she adjusted songs and found new ways of performing them. I have seen her delighted and determined, but never angry, insistent on improvement and praising of practice, but never at a lack for understanding. Yes, I have been with Ms. Sue for quite a while.
But for as long as I have been with Ms. Sue, she has been with me. She has been with me from those first halting notes to the (hopefully) more masterful performances I am able to play now. She has been with me through practices that consisted more of tears than of music. She has helped me make pizza feet, led me in countless rounds of the bow game, and graduated me through five books of the Suzuki Method. She has been there to keep me in tune, correct my bowing, and remind me to "Pay attention!" and "Watch the leader!". And through a diligence and patience that has always astounded me, she has taught me to never give up and shown me that there is always room for improvement. She has taught me a love for music and a passion for playing that now has wings of its own, a longing to play a song, and play it well, that soars a little higher with every note. She is the greatest teacher I have every had, and much more beyond that.
She has been a confidant, who has listened to my tears, a close friend, who has listened to my triumphs and silly nonsense as well, an advisor, who has never failed to give me an honest and good opinion, a benefactor, who has supported my every goal. They are the little unspoken things that give real lessons to the soul. That she has seen me in distress, and has been there to calm me down, that when things were bad she was willing to give of herself to make it a little bit easier. To give a little bit more was never too much, and for that I will always be grateful. This is what lies behind the music, each song, each note, that I play. And if it is true that a building is as strong as its foundation, than I have a building that will outlast the years. This is the true significance Ms. Sue has had in my life: that she has been there for me, as a violinist and as a person, with an open and generous heart.
So this is to Ms. Sue, who has been with me for all this time and who will be with me beyond it as well.
Te cum cantis semper reminiscobor.
I will always remember you with song.
Sara Lemstrom, Suzuki mom writes:
Sue teaches my 3-year-old. I see her work with my daughter, I see her work with the advanced teen-ager whose lesson follows ours, and I experience her working with me, an adult beginner. She is appropriate with all of us. I am continually impressed by her ability to adapt her teaching style to the wide range of ages and ability levels her students represent.
Seth White, former graduate writes:
As a student of Suzanne Schreck, and a graduate of the Twinklers to Sizzlers Suzuki Violin program, I cannot imagine my life without music in it. I began my studies with Sue at the age of 4, and continued until I left to attend James Madison University. Sue is more than just a music teacher to me, she is a role model, counselor, and an unwavering source of support. She truly has become a member of my family.
The Twinklers to Sizzlers program is like a family in itself. Everyone knows one another, and works together to put on concerts, recitals, graduations and other events. Through the program I have developed many lifelong friendships and been given countless opportunities. In high school, I was hired as a wedding violinist for weddings in the Outer Banks, and also taught violin myself at another studio out near my house. I owe my success as a teacher to Sue, she is patient yet firm, gifted yet humble, and has truly dedicated the better part of her life to her students.
The focus in Suzuki is on the whole family as the teachers, parents and the child all play an equal part in the education of the student. My brother took along with me as well, and even my parents learned enough to help us to the fullest extent. Sue's ability to adapt to the individual needs of each of her students is an important part of their success. My brother has learning disabilities and did not learn the same way most others did. Sue was able to develop a method of teaching tailored to him and recently he graduated Book 5, an enormous milestone that requires years of practice and dedication.
Sue did not only teach me music, but morals, manners, and about responsibility as well. I have taken these lessons into my education, jobs, and life in general. Sue makes music fun for students through her concerts, group classes, and trips. In concerts, a combination of music, dancing, singing, acting, and props are used to put on a big production that the kids can be proud of and audience always enjoys. She also branches out and teaches fiddle music, and holiday music so kids can play familiar tunes for their friends and family.
Sue has enriched my life as she has with countless other students and for that I am forever indebted. Even though I am going into business, music will always be an important part of my life, and I will never forget the lessons I learned from "Miss Sue".