Martha Shackford

BA from Oberlin Music Conservatory; Suzuki Association Teacher Trainer for Violin with over 40 years of teaching experience.  Martha teaches both the violin and viola.

Martha first met Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in 1964 and has followed his principals in her teaching every since.  She has taught these principals in many different situations:

·                   public schools

·                   private studios in 6 states

·                   as a faculty member of various Arts & Music Schools

·                   Suzuki Institutes in the USA, Canada, and Latin America

Martha has helped found 3 non-profit organizations, currently is president of the Portland Suzuki Project (www.portlandsuzukiproject.com), has sat on various Boards of Directors, and headed up several committees in various Suzuki communities where she has lived.  Although she played first violin in the North Arkansas Symphony for 2 decades, her real passion is helping to facilitate community.  She helped form and conducted the youth symphony of that orchestra for several years.

Her favorite pass times are reading, knitting, swimming, playing games, and enjoying friends. 

Nicole Rawley is a member of our violin staff.. She comes to us from Greenville, North Carolina. She was chosen from a number of applicants to become a member of the Suzuki Institute School of Music Staff.Nicole has been teaching since 2000. Her experiences include Green County Public Schools, a private studio and , Director of Strings Pre-K through 4th grade at the Oakwood School. She organizes performances, recitals and field trips. She has also been an orchestra conductor.She is currently the Concert Master of the Pitt Community College Symphony. Her memberships include:
  • Suzuki Association of the Americas
  • Greenville Suzuki Association
  • Green County Suzuki Association
  • Nicole's educational experiences include:
  • B.M. in Violin Performance - East Carolina University
  • M.M. Violin Performance with a concentration in Suzuki Pedagogy
  • A registered member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach Suzuki Violin Volumes 1- 10.