About Sensei

About Sensei

Glenda-Sensei, Suzuki Violin Pedagogue

I created Westminster Suzuki Strings in 2003 to build a Suzuki Community in Carroll County, Maryland. My goal is to provide high quality violin instruction that’s comprehensive, nurturing, fun and offers a space for our community to connect around a common goal—to practice kindness.

I began my own violin journey as a suzuki kid in the early 1990’s (30+ years of playing & performance) and have entered my 20th year of educating young artists! I have studied Violin Performance, Suzuki violin pedagogy, Music Education, Therapeutic Music as well as hospice and palliative care at Carroll Community College, Towson University, The Greater Washington Suzuki Institute and the Larner College of Medicine (University of Vermont). I currently perform with the Hanover Symphony Orchestra. In addition to teaching music, I also work as a Clinical Musician (therapeutic music) and Death Doula (End of Life care, Hospice/Palliative care). I provide care in the ICU, NICU, PICU and other medical settings.

Why “Sensei” and not “Miss Glenda” ?

We use a lot of Japanese customs and etiquette in the studio. We use the international bow as a greeting and Japanese honorifics to denote respect not only for the person but to acknowledge the level of mastery attained. Dr. Suzuki was from Japan and asked his teachers to instruct students with these customs. Much of the Suzuki philosophy stems from Japanese culture and is the basis for how/what/what we do.

Parents/Adults please address me by my first name or the same manner as your child.

Students may call me:

• Sensei (pronounced “sen-say”, Japanese)
  • Sensei (先生) meaning “teacher” or literally translated, “born first” or “one who has gone before”. A Sensei is a person who has knowledge and is willing to give that knowledge to another. This honorific is not gender specific so no need to say Ms. Sensei or Mr. Sensei. 🙂
• My Pronouns: She/her/hers