SYSA Instructors

Vanessa White - Program Director

After exploring music teaching philosophies in college, Vanessa White found that the Suzuki method produced the most successful & joyous musical journey for her students. She recently moved to Spokane from southern Colorado where she taught violin to a variety of age groups in her private studio while serving as the adjunct violin instructor at CSU-Pueblo. Vanessa is now a Suzuki mother of teenagers and more passionate than ever about the benefits of music study for our youth!

Mary Beth Cullitan

Mary Beth Cullitan was introduced to Suzuki education as an undergraduate and has continued her education through a master's degree in Suzuki Pedagogy and over 60 workshops, Institutes, and international conferences. Dr. Suzuki's well-thought-out curriculum, the consistently welcoming and supportive Suzuki community, and the conviction that "Every child can learn!" to a high level are the primary features that attracted her to and have kept her involved with Suzuki education for over 40 years.

Madeline Smith - Violin

Madeline began her violin studies in a group Suzuki violin class. She has completed a MM in Violin Performance from Western Washington University and a BA in Violin Performance from Whitworth University, where she studied with Phil Baldwin. Madeline has attended several Suzuki teacher training courses at summer institutes, and she now teaches private violin lessons from her home in Spokane Valley.

Alexis Andrus - Violin

Anna Seppa - Cello