Bay of Islands to Whangarei
Violin Lessons | Viola Lessons | Ensemble Coaching, Online Lessons, Suzuki Music Lessons
Bio
My name is Simon Griffiths. I have been a violin teacher for more than 40 years. I have taught beginners from the age of 3 years old all the way to adult. I have had students pass diploma exams with Royals Schools and Trinity College. I have had students that have gone on to do violin performance at University. I started violin at 9 years old and when I was 10 years old I started Suzuki Violin lessons in Hamilton, NZ. In 1983 I went to Matsumoto, Japan to study at the Talent Education Institute with Dr Suzuki and Miss Mori. I attended Auckland University and Ithaca College in upstate New York. I have done Suzuki Teacher Training with many teachers in the USA, Australia and NZ. My wife, Stacey Shuck and I ran a successful violin studio in Pt Chevalier, Auckland for 25 years until Stacey’s untimely passing in 2021. In mid 2025 I moved just north of Whangarei.
Teaching Info
Although I have been involved with Suzuki Associations in NZ, Japan and the USA for 40+ years I am no longer a registered Suzuki teacher. I will continue to use the Suzuki Repertoire for Books 1 and 2 for beginners but will then select repertoire according to each individual student’s needs and interests. I will draw from the vast violin repertoire of different styles from all musical periods. I will focus strongly on learning to read music at the appropriate time according to age and level. I can also help with basic music theory. I enjoy developing meaningful relationships with my students and will always strive to make the learning environment positive and joyful. There is no failure in music learning.