Judith Rodwell’s Teaching Style

Three decades of teaching have fine tuned Judith’s teaching philosophy and led her into unexpected directions. Having used traditional method books for students of all ages, Judith found herself frustrated with the progress of her youngest students. Watching her own young children thrive in their Suzuki violin and cello training and inspired by a workshop with Shin’ichi Suzuki, she decided to use Suzuki Piano repertoire with her youngest students and was thrilled with their progress. Emphasizing positive reinforcement, Suzuki introduces Classical repertoire earlier than most other methods, producing strong finger independence and teaching children to become good listeners and music appreciators as they listen to CD’s of the repertoire.

Combined with traditional methods of learning notation, theory, technique, and rhythm, students quickly become well rounded pianists nurtured by a strong Classical repertoire. When her older students heard a 5 year old play a Bach Minuet at a recital, most of them requested the opportunity to use Suzuki repertoire and Judith’s teaching philosophy for all ages changed. A number of her students have gone on to receive music education, performance, audio production, and composition degrees. Equally important, all of her students have learned the joy of making music.

Judith is an energetic teacher known for her unbridled passion for work, a sunny disposition, and an upbeat positive attitude. Lessons are fun and fast paced, embracing all styles of music, and Judith selects teaching materials based on individual personality. She’s a master at motivating students to learn and excel and a seasoned professional whose honesty and moral integrity provide a wonderful role model for young children.