Katherine Brown, studio founder & teacher

about katherine...

Born in Seattle to a musical family, Katherine has lived in California since 1971. Imprinted by 9 years as a Suzuki parent to her own 3 children, she began teacher training with master teacher Caroline Fraser at the HNU Suzuki Institute.  Katherine has taught piano, music reading and group music theory curricula from 2012-to the present.

A part of Clarice Leite's Oakland studio in 1995, then with Jerry Kuderna in North Berkeley, Katherine studied alongside her 3 children.  Her studies continue with Suzuki mentor Rebecca Boblack.  She earned her degree from Stanford in 1982, working in marketing and PR for architectural and construction firms.

In her spare time Katherine volunteers as a writing coach, gardens, studies Chinese, swims, and often hikes.  Her home which is on the same property with her piano studio includes 1 cat 6 hens and 3 'flown' children: her daughters have finished studies at Pratt Institute and Stanford University and her son continues at the University of California Berkeley.

Why I chose to teach music using the Suzuki approach:

"Most people have a set notion of 'inborn talent or ability' -- it is a misconception which is a delight to change. Anyone can develop ability or talent with the right environment."  

"Music provides enjoyment!  Importantly, music is a mind tonic: for patience, calm, unwinding, intellectual challenge, pure entertainment and sidesplitting laughter.  I love working with small children and their parents to develop skills and the love of fine music."