Quick New Year's Update

Happy New Year!
The past few years have been a period of adjustment as Stephen and I moved to Moorpark to live on an avocado farm — formerly The Meadow of Moorpark, an equestrian facility where, as it turns out, I learned to ride horses when I was eight. It truly feels like coming full circle.  Our cats are especially thrilled with the many windows in our house, which allow them to observe the local wildlife — birds, bunnies, snakes, and even coyotes!

After the Mountain Fire in November 2024, much of the irrigation system melted and many trees burned. The ready-to-retire farmers took it as a sign. Thankfully, all four houses on the property were spared, and fire-following plants and wildflowers quickly transformed the once blackened hills into a landscape of green, orange, and purple again — a powerful reminder of resilience and renewal.

Teaching
I’m happy to report that the drive to the San Fernando Valley is actually on par with many LA commutes. I now teach there 2–3 days a week, with students coming to Moorpark one day a week.  I’m also teaching students via Zoom across the country and beyond — in Los Angeles, Taos (NM), Atlanta (GA), and even Buenos Aires, Argentina — with students ranging in age from 3 to 80+. If you have a friend or family member looking for a violin, guitar, or fiddle teacher, feel free to share my information. Remote lessons can be a wonderful fit.

New Music Releases
I’m excited to finally be releasing songs recorded during and after lockdown in 2021. We recently shared the song and video for “Bananas” (also known as “I Eat Bananas”) — a joyful project made possible by many generous volunteers. You can watch it on my YouTube channel.

In October, we released three additional songs:

• The Color Purple,
  
• Scaredy Cat, and
  
• Who Is That Knocking?
  

These tracks are available on all major streaming platforms and for download on Bandcamp. There’s also a coloring book that accompanies the songs, available here, with all proceeds going toward the significant costs of recording, mixing, and releasing music today.

Most importantly, I hope you enjoy the songs with your whole family — and feel free to share them with friends who might enjoy them too!

The Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles
Last year, SMPLA celebrated its 50th anniversary with a joyful Fall Festival, play-in, and Gala at a beautiful hall at Forest Lawn in Glendale.
Our Monday night Workshops have now transitioned into Ensembles, and our Fall and Spring Solo Recitals continue to be strong, with about 50 participants each season. This past year, students performed at several different retirement communities and at the Northridge Mall — always a highlight, especially with the holiday sing-along.

We’re looking forward to our Winter Hoedown Festival, Play-In, and Square Dance on February 22. Get in touch if you’d like to join us!

Performances
In May, I performed with Nevenka Folk Ensemble and we hosted a folk dance party in Culver City.  At the Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest & Festival, Steve Werner and I joined forces on the Family Stage performing Peach & Spoon originals plus a few folk covers.  My student Melina won the advanced fiddle contest!, and later joined us on stage playing ukulele and singing — a proud moment!

I’m also grateful to have received a scholarship to attend Katie Glassman’s Fiddle School, where I’ve been learning new tools for improvisation and Texas Swing style fiddling, and performing nearly every month with original solos. I’m nowhere near confident in this genre yet — but I’m deeply enjoying the journey.

Thank you for being part of this musical community. Wishing you a grounded, creative, and connected year ahead. Get in touch to learn more about how you and your children can cultivate a joyfully musical life!