TESTIMONIALS
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
"We have been part of this school since 2015, and both of our children have grown tremendously in their love for music and skill in violin performance. Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many phenomenal musicians… Ms. Ani, Ms. Amelia, Ms. Sing, Mr. Adam, and Ms. Micaela—each of whom is not only an exceptional musician but also an inspiring educator and role model. To us, SOTI is another family in our community. We highly recommend this school to anyone, without reservation." - Xu Zhang, Mother of violinist
“My children have been studying at SOTI since they were 5 years old - almost eight years! My son thrived on both piano with Mr. Adam and both my son and daughter grew so much as musicians learning to play the violin with Ms. Ani. We found group class to be a valuable asset to growing as a musician - an incredibly rarity in professional music schools or even precollege programs. There is a lot of opportunity to develop leadership skills working with fantastic and highly respected professional musicians and ensembles through masterclasses. Motivated students like my son even had the rare opportunity of playing in a year long quartet. What my son and daughter love most about SOTI is the very supportive environment and valuable opportunities to perform in solo recitals. They made some of their dearest friends at SOTI! Everything about SOTI is designed to support and help their students blossom. Having studied with many private instrument teachers, SOTI truly delivers a professional music training program comparable to any reputable music college for the age group they serve. We are so deeply thankful to SOTI for nurturing our children to become the very successful musicians they are today!” -Angela Wan, Mother of violinists and pianists
“My son has been a part of the Suzuki On The Island for the past 7.5 years, and in that time, SOTI has truly instilled a love and excitement for music in him. The combination of private and group lessons is fantastic. It's a great formula that provides personalized attention while also offering the chance to collaborate with other students. The recitals and group concerts are especially wonderful—they've given him so much confidence on stage. SOTI is more than just a music school; it's a supportive community that has made a huge difference in his life.” - Jung Hwang, Mother of violinist
“My two children have greatly benefited from their musical education at Suzuki on the Island. From their first attempts at playing the piano and viola to their bows after a solo recital amidst a warm round of applause, they have learned so much as young musicians in perseverance, resilience and confidence in making music.Their teachers have shown a steady patience and nurturing standard of excellence in their studies. They also had supportive community involvement with other student musicians and teachers through the group lessons and The Artist Program. Their musical education at SOTI has enhanced their lives.” - Jihae Yi, Mother of violist and pianist
“As a music professional and educator, I am careful to find a high quality yet, nurturing music teacher for my own children. I have have found a lovely combination of both at Suzuki on the Island in Manhasset, NY. The school is run in an efficient, intelligent and caring manner. My kids went from having to attend piano lessons to wanting to study piano. They play more frequently on their own at home and I have seen significant improvement in their abilities. Suzuki on the Island is a fantastic place for children to learn about music.” - Pablo Rieppi, New York City Ballet Orchestra, The Juilliard School, Father of pianists
“I cannot say enough good things about Suzuki on the Island. The professionalism and positive energy that Ani and the faculty bring to the lessons are an inspiration every week. At SOTI, children are taught to play the right way in a fun and joyful process. The faculty connect with each student in a friendly, caring, and approachable manner as they fulfill a serious strategy for musical training. My children’s love for their instruments increased every week as their learning progressed. Little by little, they improved technically and artistically to bring out a big, full, beautiful sound they never knew they were capable of. SOTI’s welcoming and supportive community provides the perfect atmosphere for the many performance opportunities the school provides. And this is an aspect that really stands out about SOTI; young musicians grow immensely through rehearsing and performing with a professional accompanist. Master Classes are held at least once a year, giving students another priceless opportunity to hone their skills with a visiting professional musician. Each summer, our children have looked forward to The Artists Program Summer Chamber Music Festival. The quality of pedagogy during this week of Chamber Music, Choral, and Orchestra performance is nothing short of exceptional, and all the kids have so much fun! We have only one child left in high school, and we will be very sad when she graduates from SOTI. SOTI has been a gift that keeps on giving, and we are forever grateful” - Lesley Stackler, Mother of violinist and cellist
“We have been part of the SOTI family for over 4 years now, and our daughters have grown tremendously under the instruction of Ani and her team of dedicated teachers. Ani has the unique ability of building a strong rapport with her students – she’s great at connecting with them but also knows when to challenge, and when to mix things up with fun.We feel very lucky to be a part of this strong network of teachers, students and families, who all share the same goal of enriching our lives through music.” - Lorin Lau, Mother of violinist and pianist
“What makes Suzuki On The Island special is its perfect balance between instruction and fun. Students are taught not only the fundamentals of playing their instruments well, but also tutored in points such as how to properly give a performance, respect for other performers, and appreciation for the music and concert environment. However, it is never lost that these are children learning the instruments. There is always an element of fun during the lessons, which often include games, contests, prizes, and the incorporation of personal experiences. Our daughter has flourished in this setting in a way that we’re not sure she would have anywhere else. It is a tribute to Ani that the school’s philosophy of commitment to teaching kids how to play the right way – communicated in a friendly, approachable atmosphere – has resulted in such a successful program.” - Gary and Nina Vincoff, Parents of violinist
“Suzuki on the Island has taken our kids from absolute beginners with nothing but curiosity and maybe some raw talent to young musicians who seem to grow and improve every year – even despite the natural challenges that come with teenage-hood and potentially competing demands on their time. Ani and Jane, both accomplished musicians whose love of music is contagious, are skilled, disciplined but, above all else, patient instructors who know how to reach each individual child. The combination of private and group classes also adds a dynamic that students respond to – they even laugh as they learn, and seem to enjoy the genuine camaraderie that’s developed over years of studying together. As a parent who values the importance of music in a child’s life, I feel lucky to have joined the Suzuki on the Island family almost 10 years ago.” - Arda Haratunian, Mother of violinist and cellist
“Not only are Ani’s teaching skills superb, so is her uncanny ability to make a genuine connection with each and every one of her students, and elevate them to perform with musicality and heart. My daughters have found her to be a joy to learn from and there is no doubt that the exceptional musical training they have received from her have benefits that will last them a lifetime, offering them skills that will make them well prepared for life in general. I just cannot speak highly enough of Suzuki on the Island!” - Dorette Forman, Mother of violinist
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Miss Ani is nice, she is good at teaching violin and she makes me feel good and happy.” - Chase
“Being a part of SOTI has taught me how to not just play the violin but love it. SOTI has also helped me grow as a person—working with others in ensemble and group settings has given me the ability to apply teamwork skills to all aspects of life.“ - Jocelyn
“I’ve been a student at SOTI for 14 years and have had the most amazing experience. Each lesson I hear myself improving more and more and the group classes have helped me so much, especially with playing in front of other people. The faculty are incredible and are always willing to help with anything. I really like the recitals because they give each kid an opportunity to play both by themselves and in a group. One of my favorite events is the chamber music festival. In this one week, you get a crazy amount of work done, but also have so much fun. I love all of the different opportunities offered such as chamber groups, a string orchestra, choir and a master class. Over these past two years, I’ve also been a teacher’s assistant for the “twinkle class”. Watching these very young kids grow has been one of the most amazing things. From the first day not being able to hold a violin correctly to now being able to play through pieces and scales, I’ve learned so much from helping them and they continue to impress me every week. I’ve met so many awesome people, and not only have made new friends, but have learned from them. I cannot stress enough how thankful I am for Ani and the entire SOTI family!” - Kyria
“I love being a part of the uplifting and supportive community at SOTI. My teachers and peers are so kind and motivating, and I am so happy that I get to learn and grow as a musician and a person in such a positive environment.” - Catherine