Susan Barak

sbarak@kidznotes.org

Susan Beth Barak, MEd, BA (Hons), OCELT, RMT, RYT-300. Susan is a Registered Music Teacher specializing in Upper Strings. Certified/Registered Suzuki, Royal Conservatory, Mark O'Connor and Wee Violin Methods, a Life Member of the TMA/AFM, ORMTA, SAA, and Gold Winner, 2020 Toronto Star Readers' Choice Award, Best Music Instructor. Her passion is learning and teaching and inculcating a lifelong love of music! Susan  grew up in proximity to New York City and was privileged to study violin and viola with many illustrious American teachers, and is still engaged in continuous professional development and further certifications. She has performed internationally with a wide variety of orchestras and chamber groups. As Founding Concertmaster and Artistic Director of the York Chamber Ensemble, she led the organization of YCE’s inaugural Annual Youth Concert in 2004, and the Baroque for Belinda fundraiser for Belinda’s Place [York Region’s first dedicated women’s shelter] in 2012. Susan has performed with other notable groups including Glimmerglass Opera and Symphony in the Barn. In addition to private lessons, Susan has taught groups in educational settings from pre-schools through university, and adult programs in the Toronto and York Region District School Boards. Susan is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and has served as Chair of the AVS Anti-Discrimination Committee, 905 North Area Representative of the SAO, and President of the Newmarket & Area branch of ORMTA. With doctoral work in Critical Disability Studies, she has been an international advocate for disability inclusion. Newly relocated to the Triangle area, Susan is honored to join the Faculty of Kidznotes and looks forward to joyful learning together!