Suzuki Music Schools

06/11/2026

2026 Senior: Ivy Yan 🎹

Ivy Yan has graduated from Fairfield Ludlowe High School. She studied piano at the SMS Westport campus with Ms. Kumiko Imamura, also participating in theory classes and piano masterclasses while at Suzuki. Ivy will continue on to Yale University in the fall to study Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Philosophy.

"I have studied piano since I was seven years old, and furthered this passion with clarinet and singing. Music has vitalized my life from the start, providing me a priceless avenue for expression. Especially under the tutelage of Ms. Kumiko Imamura, I fell in love with twentieth-century music. I began finding myself within dissonant, unconventionally beautiful sounds, and perfecting the balance between piecing together the composer's intentions, and providing my own interpretation."

~Ivy Yan

Congratulations Ivy!

06/10/2026

2026 Senior: Lily Franklin 🎻

Lily Franklin has graduated from Staples High School. She studied violin with Ms. Andrea Gomez and before that with Dr. Rafael Videira. Lily has been a fixture at Suzuki events and concerts over many years, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in 2016, the annual Spooky Concert and most enthusiastically at the Westport Memorial Day Parade. In the fall Lily will attend Fairfield University.

"Since the age of six, the violin has been more than just an instrument for our daughter; it has been a second language that allowed her to express her truest self. Watching her grow into a confident, poised young woman through the Suzuki method has been the joy of our lives."

~Laura Franklin (Lily's Mom)

Congratulations Lily!

06/09/2026

2026 Senior: Nolan Francis 🎻

Nolan Francis has graduated from Staples High School. He studied violin at the SMS Westport campus with Ms. Sarah Smale. Nolan was recently awarded "Staples Key", nominated by faculty and voted on by the senior class at Staples High School, based on superior academic achievement, loyalty to Staples and contribution to the Staples community. At Suzuki, Nolan always took the time to stop and chat with other members of the Suzuki community and especially to give words of encouragement to the younger students. In the fall, Nolan will continue on to Williams College to study Biology.

“There were weeks where everything felt relentless, test after test, deadline after deadline, and violin was the one constant that brought me back to myself. It gave me solace when I needed it and something to look forward to when things felt heavy. Along the way, I also grew to love the community that violin gave me. I am so thankful for Ms. Sarah and the Suzuki community for making violin such an impactful part of my life."

~Nolan Francis

Congratulations Nolan!

06/08/2026

2026 Senior: Sophia Carrington 🎻

Sophia Carrington has graduated from the King School in Stamford. She studied violin at the SMS Westport campus with Ms. Sarah Smale and Dr. Andrew Smith. Sophia was a member of Prelude and Vivace and participated in various chamber music groups, summer camps and concerts over her years at Suzuki. This year, she volunteered to assist Ms. Sarah during the Saturday morning violin PreTwinkle and Twinkle group classes; the students fell in love with Sophia immediately! In the fall, Sophia will continue on to Brigham Young University to study English.

“Music has played a tremendous role in shaping the person I am today. It has taught me the importance of dedication and discipline and has profoundly shaped the way in which I view the world. More importantly, music has connected me with a rich community, facilitating friendships as well as revealing mentors that have left a lasting impact on who I have become.”

~Sophia Carrington

Congratulations Sophia!

06/02/2026

⭐ Student News ⭐

Nolan Francis Wins Staples Key

Nolan Francis — a science researcher, violinist, swimmer, honor student and active volunteer in and out of school — has won Staples High’s greatest honor. He was awarded the Staples Key, at last night’s annual awards ceremony.

Three outstanding students are nominated by faculty, based on superior academic achievement, loyalty to Staples, and contribution to the Staples community Voting is done by members of the senior class.

The other finalists were Gunnar Eklund and Sophie Smith.

Introducing Francis last night, assistant principal Christine Cincotta said, “Nolan’s school counselor describes him as talented, disciplined, and highly personable. His demeanor is calm and jovial, always accompanied by a big smile, and he remains consistently focused on his personal goals. Nolan has served as captain of the boys swim and dive team for 2 years, and advanced to the state finals.

“He was selected to be part of the Link Crew, and is a 4-year member of Staples’ Service League of Boys. He has also served as vice president of the Science National Honor Society, and is the co-founder of our newly reestablished National English Honor Society chapter.

“Through Staples’ research program, Nolan was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar (one of only 300 in the country).

https://06880danwoog.com/2026/05/28/nolan-francis-wins-staples-key/

“He is also an accomplished violinist who has received recognition at the state level. Outside of school, Nolan has coached Special Olympics swimmers, served as a camp counselor for children with severe medical conditions at Camp Discovery, and researched rare genetic skin conditions at Yale. He even wrote a children’s book to help kids living with these conditions feel seen and connected to a community.
“One of the things I appreciate most about Nolan is the way he brings humor and a level-headed perspective to every conversation. I am grateful that he is a member of our Staples community.“

Nolan will attend Williams College in the fall to study biology (and bring his banana-bread-baking skills to the Berkshires).

05/27/2026

Thank you Orange Life Magazine for this wonderful feature about our program in Orange, CT at 🎶

https://suzukischools.org/orange-life-magazine-feature/

05/24/2026

Unfortunately, the Westport Memorial Day Parade has been canceled due to weather 🌧️

There will be no regular lessons or classes on Monday. We will see everyone on Tuesday! 

05/15/2026

Upcoming May Events -

Registration is open for summer for all summer activities at Suzuki. Enroll in private lessons and join us for a week (or more) of summer camp! Register/learn more about our camp options here.

05/11/2026

⭐ Student News ⭐

Sabrina Lee received the Silver Award and performed Impromptu A flat Major Op. 29 by F. Chopin at the Golden Key Festival. Her performance took place at Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. She is a piano student of Kumiko Imamura at the Westport Campus.

Brava Sabrina and congratulations! 🎹

05/03/2026

Ever dreamed of traveling to Italy and living out your dream as an artist? Now is your chance to join Dean Fisher’s Painting Workshop in Tuscany, Italy! Enjoy a week at Tenuta di Spannocchia, a 1,100 acre, completely organic farm to table agriturismo.

This week-long workshop for one will be August 28th through September 5th, 2026.

You’ll enjoy 8 hours of plein air and still life instruction daily, 3 nighttime portrait sessions with live models, a day-trip to Siena for gouache painting as well as all of your meals (and wine of course!)

Visit the link below to place your bid now before the Silent Auction closes TONIGHT at 11:30pm EST.

https://givebutter.com/c/2026-annual-gala-h4fjgs/auction/items/1921398