Born to a family of music-lovers, Susanna sang her way through childhood. Her musical activities included chorus, family gatherings, unrequested wake-up calls, and complimentary background vocals for her lucky house-mates. After discovering the cello at the age of 6, Susanna soon earned the most shiny star stickers of anyone in her extended family. Her parents' bribery successfully launched Susanna into the realm of classical music, where she happily settled for many years. As time passed, however, Susanna realized her interests included more than performing the canonized works of old European men. She began to explore other musical areas and techniques, which she now incorporates into many of her shows.
Susanna loves to play and sing in a wide variety of styles, including classical, folk, contemporary, and improvisation. She has performed extensively throughout Europe, Central Asia, Central and South America, and the United States in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Miller Theater, the Verizon Center, the National Cathedral, and the National Gallery. She has collaborated with many artists, including members of the Emerson and Brooklyn Rider Quartets, Colin Carr, Suren Bagratuni, Dmitri Berlinsky, Alan Kay, and Kevin Cobb. As a member of Moyindau - an eclectic quartet that integrated experimental jazz, free improvisation, modern classical, and ethnic folk music - she traversed the outer reaches of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. More recently, Susanna was the cellist for the chamber-tango ensemble QuinTango. Currently Susanna plays in Kassia Music and world music duo Cello, World with cellist Devree Lewis.
In addition to performing, Susanna loves to teach. She and her students explore many musical styles while also building strong foundations in proper technique. As a music educator, she delves deeply into the psychology behind learning, striving to create confident musicians who have healthy relationships with their art. Most importantly, she considers the unique personality and interests of each student, tailoring her teaching approach accordingly. Susanna has a small private cello studio in Silver Spring, MD and serves on the faculty of Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD.
Susanna holds degrees from SUNY Stony Brook (D.M.A.), Michigan State University (M.M.), and Barnard College at Columbia University (B.A. in music and psychology). She has studied cello with Suren Bagratuni, Colin Carr, and Misha Quint.
Susanna loves to play and sing in a wide variety of styles, including classical, folk, contemporary, and improvisation. She has performed extensively throughout Europe, Central Asia, Central and South America, and the United States in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Miller Theater, the Verizon Center, the National Cathedral, and the National Gallery. She has collaborated with many artists, including members of the Emerson and Brooklyn Rider Quartets, Colin Carr, Suren Bagratuni, Dmitri Berlinsky, Alan Kay, and Kevin Cobb. As a member of Moyindau - an eclectic quartet that integrated experimental jazz, free improvisation, modern classical, and ethnic folk music - she traversed the outer reaches of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. More recently, Susanna was the cellist for the chamber-tango ensemble QuinTango. Currently Susanna plays in Kassia Music and world music duo Cello, World with cellist Devree Lewis.
In addition to performing, Susanna loves to teach. She and her students explore many musical styles while also building strong foundations in proper technique. As a music educator, she delves deeply into the psychology behind learning, striving to create confident musicians who have healthy relationships with their art. Most importantly, she considers the unique personality and interests of each student, tailoring her teaching approach accordingly. Susanna has a small private cello studio in Silver Spring, MD and serves on the faculty of Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD.
Susanna holds degrees from SUNY Stony Brook (D.M.A.), Michigan State University (M.M.), and Barnard College at Columbia University (B.A. in music and psychology). She has studied cello with Suren Bagratuni, Colin Carr, and Misha Quint.
Resume and printable biography available upon request.