Teacher Spotlight: Ann Montzka Smelser, Suzuki viola & violin

Teacher Spotlight:  Ann Montzka Smelser

Interview by Erin Cano

Ann joined MIC in 2015.

What inspired you to become a Suzuki teacher?

It was the way my Suzuki teachers made me feel when I was a child.  I studied with  wonderful instructors at Suzuki institutes including Alice Joy Lewis and John Kendall.  I was especially inspired by my Suzuki home teachers Kazuko Numanami, Rebecca Sandrok,  and my father, Arthur Montzka. I wanted to instill the same confidence and passion in others that my teachers had empowered in me. 
 

What is your favorite piece to teach?

It is not the piece as much as the student, parent,  and the environment that we have created that can make any piece my favorite to teach. If there is faith, enthusiasm, consistent listening, and quality practicing, then I am thrilled to teach Twinkle to Tchaikovsky and everything in between.

What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at a workshop or institute?

I will never forget the summer I first met Dr. Suzuki. I was 13 and attending the American Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point Wisconsin.  I had never met anyone famous in person before.  I was very overcome after the final concert. I could not stop crying, but I could not really understand why.  There was magic in the joy that Dr. Suzuki radiated.

 You’re the mom of two Suzuki children who have gone on to pursue music as a career. What insights have you developed as both a Suzuki parent and teacher?

1. The heart of the child must always come before the skill being learned.

2. The most important thing a parent can give their children is their undivided attention. As new empty-nesters, my husband and I are so grateful for all of the time we have spent with our children.  Suzuki study helped insure that regular one-on-one time together.  We are just as grateful for all the struggles in practice as the joy, since the breakdowns paved the way for the breakthroughs.  

3. It takes a village to build a bow hold.

What’s on your listening list right now?

I have seven different recordings of the Brahms Double Concerto for cello and violin on my listening queue.  My husband  Linc and I just performed it last week with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra.  It was a dream of both of ours and way out of my comfort zone.  I am really glad I stretched myself.  Time to find a new vision piece!