Teacher Spotlight: Jay Kolin, Suzuki Piano

Jay Kolin joined MIC as a Suzuki piano instructor in 2005.

What led you to become a Suzuki teacher?
I settled in New Haven in the mid-90s.  A nearby music school was offering an introductory course for teachers in Suzuki piano.  Although I knew very little about Suzuki piano, I had taught piano before and was generally very interested in early childhood and elementary-level education.  The course was taught by Leena Crothers, and she was wonderful and inspirational!  I ended up taking several more courses with her and began teaching Suzuki piano at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven.

What is your favorite piece to teach?
I enjoy teaching Long, Long Ago to my Book 1 students because it is the first Book 1 piece with a substantial number of rests, all of which have to be observed very carefully and precisely!

Which of your teachers inspired you the most? 
Three teachers inspired me greatly.  Leena Crothers introduced me to Suzuki piano and taught the importance of the wrist in making a singing tone at the piano.  Sara Kohane of Yale University taught me the importance of using wrists, shoulders, elbows, and arm movements at the piano, again to create a beautiful sound.  Last but not least, I always enjoy watching Caroline Fraser interact with her students, particularly the way she models wrist and arm movements slowly and deliberately.

You spent some time in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, as a participant in Harvard University's WorldTeach Project  in Kenya, and as a deputy head teacher at the Kisumu International School in Kenya. Why did you decide to go to Africa, and what are some of your most memorable experiences from this time?
I had always wanted to live in Africa, probably because it was so remote from my suburban Connecticut upbringing.  I also wanted to live there to be of service to a very poverty-stricken part of the world.  What I remember the most is how friendly and welcoming the Togolese and Kenyans were and how slow-paced and peaceful village life was.  In Kenya, I participated in the annual Music Festivals and found the performances of traditional Kenyan music very moving.  I also enjoyed teaching at Kisumu International School because its philosophy of education was very hands-on and child-centered.

Do you have any pets?
When I first moved to Chicago, I volunteered at a nearby animal shelter.  During a Fourth of July weekend, I received an email asking for an emergency placement for two Lhasa apsos who had been found abandoned on the south side of Chicago.  I took them in, expecting the placement to be temporary, but I fell in love with them and now they have been with me for 10 years!  They are a daily joy, and we start every day with an hour-long walk around Rogers Park and South Evanston.