Cynthia has taught privately for over 30 years  and now resides in Vancouver, WA.  Her teaching technique includes both traditional and Suzuki methods while also combining theory, rhythm, note reading, ear training along with repertoire into lessons.  

Throughout the year, students have an opportunity to participate in 

3 recitals 

Festivals

Online String-focused theory classes 

Evaluations 

on occasion- Small ensembles 

Holiday performances

Former Students’ Accomplishments:

Her students have participated in Certificate of Merit (California evaluations) almost always earning Honors.  They have also participated in Music Teachers Association String Festivals, Bach Festival, Solo and Ensemble (Washington State), Baroque Festivals, Romantic Festival, Suzuki Summer Institutes, youth orchestras, All-State Orchestra, Summer camps, Theory Evaluations and many other festivals and ensembles.  

Past students have won scholarships to Gonzaga University, Azuza Pacific University, Vassar College, Whitman College and the Eleanor Haney-Bessie Shepherd Senior Scholarship for violin.  Besides these scholarships, students have continued their studies also at Stanford, Princeton, USC, University of Washington, Western Washington University and BYU Idaho.  

Additional teaching Experience:

Cynthia has been an adjudicator, coach and evaluator for several programs including Washington State Solo and Ensemble, Certificate of Merit of California (Level evaluations) and a coach for summer camps.  She teaches online music theory with focus on string students.  

Cynthia has also developed strings programs and taught beginning classes and orchestra at Goethe International Charter School and WISH middle school in Los Angeles, CA and Orchard Elementary school, Richland, WA.  She has taught summer music orchestra camps and often her Holiday Students' Ensemble performs during the holidays for various audiences from Shopping malls with Santa to Senior Citizen Homes.

Cynthia is a member of National Music Teachers Association

Music Teachers Association of Clark County and Tri-Cities.  Her past memberships include Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), America String Teachers Association (ASTA) and Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). She has a Suzuki Teacher Certification.

Performance background (before the age of 30):

She has performed in many orchestras both within and out of the Los Angeles area, performed concert tours in Asia, recorded for films, performed in Europe, appeared in TV shows, commercials, and movies.

Examples of orchestras performed in include:

American Youth Symphony under the direction of Mr. Mehta (1st violin)

Debut Orchestra (YMF,  LA Phil)

Several Los Angeles based Opera companies (concertmaster or 1st)

Cypress Pops Orchestra 

La Mer String Quartet 

Torrance Symphony 

Broadway touring musical orchestra: Asia

Cynthia has performed for audiences such names as Mehli Mehta, Zubin Mehta, Plácido Domingo and Ray Charles

Education:

Cynthia earned a Bachelor's of Music degree through a scholarship from the California State University of Long Beach.  She continued for 3 more years of private study with Mr. Wittenberg. 

Past teachers include:

Joanne Ausmus-Baker

Elizabeth Holburn, former student of Dorthy DeLay

John Wittenberg, LA studio violinist

She has also observed and/or participated in masterclasses with Jerome Pernoo, Maria Newman, Misha Leifkowitz and Peter Marsh.

Cynthia comes from a family of musicians and music teachers. Her mother was a pianist and opera singer, winning a position with Alla Scala in Italy.  Her eldest daughter plays violin and younger daughter plays cello at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.   She enjoys giving her “knowledge to the next generation of musicians and music appreciators.”