Hi, I’m Bethany
and I’ve been teaching traditional and Suzuki Method violin lessons for 20 years. I have a Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon University and Suzuki Method Pedagogy certification levels 1-8. I’m a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and have taught students of all levels and ages four through adult in virtually every context.
Good news! I am currently accepting new students to my studio in two locations: Boston (Jamaica Plain) and Cambridge, MA.
I am conveniently located for students in Newton, Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, Fenway, Mission Hill, Back Bay, Roslindale and Brookline.
About Us
At Stunning Strings, students will find a nurturing, fun, yet demanding learning experience where their gifts and innate abilities are developed and strengthened. Students of all levels and abilities are encouraged to take private lessons. We truly believe that every child can succeed. Lessons are tailored to match the pace, learning style and needs of each student. Recitals or outreach concerts offer performance experience and students grow further by joining local orchestras, attending summer music festivals, performing in masterclasses, and attending live concerts.
As part of learning to play the violin, students learn to listen carefully, to appreciate music and fine tune their ear to hear pacing, pitch and inflection of sound. High musical standards and a commitment to learning with consistent daily practice is expected from day one. We seek every student’s best and nurture that with love. Students learn incrementally with weekly practice assignments, long and short-term practice challenges, preparation for performances, and attendance at concerts. They receive extensive support at their lessons and throughout the week with detailed practice sheets, personalized demonstration and play along recordings plus extra support between lessons as needed.
Incremental progress through smart, strategic daily practice is the “secret” ingredient that creates the magic – beautiful playing, life-changing skills and self-confidence. In the end, the goal is for each student to love and enjoy music, play skillfully and develop character and skills that improve their life and better our world.
Student Testimonials
My son started his violin lessons with Bethany. She’s very patient and nurturing, and has developed a love of the instrument in him. It’s only been a year and he not only enjoys playing the violin, but also claims it calms him down – so nice to hear that from a 9 year old.
Nisha N.
Ms. Landby has been a great teacher throughout my time working with her.
She teaches incredibly well by putting just enough input to help, but not so much to simply hand hold me through my progress. This method has helped me greatly to form better habits and to be a better player overall.
Derick L.
Bethany has been my daughter’s violin teacher for the last 4 years. My daughter loves the kind and gentle way that Bethany is able to explain new concepts, techniques and challenging pieces. She has nurtured my daughter’s love of music and provided her a strong technical background to continue her growth in her musical aspirations.
Ivana P.
I want to let you know how much I appreciate all you have done with Tristan over these last few years. I have seen how much progress he has made and it is due to your calm and effective teaching.
Erik N.
Students Have:
· Been accepted into New England Conservatory’s training orchestra
· Competed in the Olympics
· Won their school concerto competition and soloed with the orchestra
· Gone on to attend Harvard University
Education
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA: Master of Music
- University of Denver, Denver, CO: Bachelor of Music & Performance Certificate
- Suzuki Pedagogy Certification: Every Child Can, Books 1-8
- Principal Teachers: Andres Cardenes, Linda Wang, and Mary West
Bio
Bethany’s multifaceted performance and teaching career has taken her around the globe, including Austria, Iceland, Central America, and Spain. She has held tenured positions with orchestras such as Albany Symphony, Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, and the Santo Domingo Music Festival Orchestra. Bethany has also performed with notable artists like Josh Groban, Ben Folds, Celtic Women and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Additionally, she has served as a substitute with prestigious orchestras such as the Minnesota Orchestra and Portland Symphony.
Bethany has over 20 years of teaching experience, utilizing traditional methods and the Suzuki Method (certified books 1-8). In addition to her Cambridge and Boston (Jamaica Plain) studios (Stunning Strings) she teaches at the Wellesley School District’s IVEP program and directs the Kreisler Ensemble at Mendell Elementary School through Boston Music Project. Most recently she served as on faculty at Groton Hill Music Center for almost 8 years and as faculty and Suzuki Program Director at Concord Community Music School.
Bethany’s teaching passion extends to coaching orchestras and chamber groups and has included teaching and coaching at the Lamont Pre-College Academy, Mounds View School District Summer Orchestra Program, Sewickley Academy, Pittsburgh Music Academy, in the Ayer and Shirley school districts and in Panama through Orchestra of the Americas. Apart from her classical background, Bethany enjoys fiddling in American and Irish styles. When not performing or teaching, she can be found enjoying coffee, books, hiking, or learning something new.
Teaching Philosophy
Learning how to play the violin should be a holistic and joyful journey. It’s fun, challenging, and extremely rewarding. I strive to teach my students how to play the instrument well, and through this, develop key skills such as communication, problem solving, innovation and mindfulness. In this process they will experience character growth such as responsibility, perseverance, confidence and cultural understanding. I believe that the best way to learn is in a calm, nurturing and fun environment. I expect my students to do their best and my goal is to challenge, inspire and to impart a life-long love of music.
Ear training, technique development, practice coaching, note reading, mindfulness practices, and music theory and history are incorporated into lessons in a way that fits the needs of each student.