About Me

Amy Barten
Suzuki Violin & Early Childhood Education Teacher

Musical Background

I have been playing the violin since I was three years old. I was trained through the Suzuki method with local London teacher Sharon Jones. I received my Bachelor of Music Honours Degree from the University of Windsor where I concentrated my studies on music education and the violin and spent 4 years studying with violinist Lillian Scheirich. I also spent some time studying with Mel Martin at Western University working on broadening my technique and repertoire further. 

I have a lifetime of performing experience from growing up participating in numerous recitals per year and constantly playing for family and friends. I am a past member of fiddle group Haggis Stew formerly known as Sharon Jones and the Canadian Celtic Kids and a past member of the London Youth Orchestra and the Windsor Community Orchestra. I have had the honour of playing as a soloist with Orchestra London and have played at many London and Windsor businesses and weddings as live entertainment. I have a love of both classical and fiddle music and have an extensively wide repertoire of both genres. 

Celtic Shift: Amy Barten - Fiddle,
Dave Nuttall-Whistle, Steve Holowitz-Piano

Currently I perform with the group Celtic Shift. It has been a wonderful experience getting to play with such fine musicians and to perform in London and the surrounding area. We just released our first album titled, On One Beautiful Day, which can be purchased on iTunes!

Non-musical Background

I have a lifetime's experience of working with kids from looking after my own younger siblings to working with children with mental and physical disabilities. I spent two summers as a support worker with VON Canada and have learned a great deal from my little sister who has autism.

My other interests include running, cycling, rock climbing and yoga, interior design and organizing, reading and writing, baking, watching too much Netflix and spending time with my wonderful husband and our cat Cordelia. I also love playing and learning other instruments such as piano, cello, viola, clarinet and guitar.

Violin & Suzuki Early Childhood Education Certifications

I am a current member and registered teacher of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the Suzuki Association of Ontario. I have completed my 5 year training in Suzuki Early Childhood Education through teacher trainers Dorothy Jones and Sharon Jones. I have also studied the Suzuki Violin Books with teacher trainers Kathleen Spring and Paule Barsalou.

I believe very strongly in the continuing education of teachers. I spend time in the summer attending Suzuki Teacher Training Institutes and Celtic Colleges to enhance the lessons I provide for my students. I find so much motivation in attending these events and love to try out new ideas each year in hopes of then motivating my students and families.

Living the Suzuki Lifestyle

Our Wedding - May 2013

Being raised by the Suzuki method has enriched my life in so many ways. The Suzuki method does not just apply to our musical studies, but to any area in our lives we want to improve. Through basic concepts we can find understanding, comfort, simplicity and joy.

I use Suzuki concepts in learning to play other instruments, in establishing household and exercise routines, in learning to rock climb, in working on relationships and being mindful of thought processes, just to name a few.

So what are these basic concepts?

• Everyday – consistency is key; if you fall, get back up, repeat
• Observation – learning from others, from their mistakes and from their triumphs
• Environment - fill your home with things that motivate you; music, pictures, books, decor, people, nature, etc.
• Review - always return to what you've previously learned and can do easily. Grow from the success of these skills.
• Support – find a community that encourages you and your beliefs
  

  
• Schedule – routines, calendars and lists; get organized your way!
• Small steps – break it down and be specific, don't always go from start to finish but isolate the tricky from the easy
• Be a detective – figure out what will work for you, not what works for others
• Go outside! Read a book! - these two are very important to clear our minds and find motivation

Thanks for stopping by and finding out more about Amy's Violin School! For more details check out Contact Information!