AYO Board Members

AYO President

Dr. Shu-Yi Scott, originally from Taipei, Taiwan, is an internationally respected Suzuki cello teacher trainer, performer, and youth music education advocate. She currently serves on the Suzuki Association of the Americas Training Committee (2023–2025), where she contributes to shaping teacher development and evaluation standards across the Americas.

In Austin, Dr. Scott has dedicated herself to strengthening the local musical ecosystem by curating high-quality ensemble training programs for young musicians. As founder and director of the Austin Cello Festival, she has created vibrant opportunities for students to engage with peers, learn from master teachers, and perform at an advanced level.

Through her Scott Cello Studio program and Suzuki teacher training offerings, Dr. Scott has trained and consulted more than 400 teachers, while presenting numerous workshops for string teachers and students around the world. She is known for her innovative pedagogy and creative approach to both in-person and virtual instruction.

Dr. Scott holds a Master of Music in cello performance from Penn State University (studying with Dr. Kim Cook) and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with the legendary pedagogue Ms. Phyllis Young.

Certified by the Suzuki Association of the Americas with a Certificate of Achievement in 2015, she was appointed a Suzuki cello teacher trainer in 2019. She teaches cellists ranging from age three to advanced pre-college musicians, bringing together her expertise in child development, musical excellence, and motivational teaching methods.

In addition to training teachers internationally, Dr. Scott has launched several online courses, including How to Convey Tactile Knowledge Through Online Lesson Format and Shu-Yi & Merlin: Let’s Talk About Music Teaching, a collaborative series with Canadian Suzuki piano trainer Dr. Merlin Thompson.

Dr. Scott lives in Austin with her husband, a professional double bassist, and their two daughters, both of whom studied Suzuki cello.

AYO Vice President 

Elizabeth Compton has been a dedicated music educator in Central Texas for over two decades. Since 2003, she has served as Director of Orchestras at West Ridge Middle School in Eanes ISD, where her ensembles are consistently recognized for their musical excellence and artistry. In 2019, she was honored as District Educator of the Year, a testament to her visionary leadership and deep commitment to student growth.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from Linfield College and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

As Vice President of the Austin Youth Orchestra, Elizabeth plays a key role in program development, audition restructuring, and organizational strategy. She is passionate about expanding opportunities for young musicians and ensuring that AYO continues to serve as a vibrant, elite training ground for student performers across the region.