Speakers Bios

Gerda Thorn – Suzuki Flute Teacher

Gerda is a passionate flute teacher with more than 30 years of experience. She studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam with Harrie Starreveld and graduated with distinction in pedagogy. She runs a thriving flute studio in Amsterdam and has dedicated the past 14 years to teaching with the Suzuki Method, having completed all five levels of training.

Gerda is regularly invited to teach at international Suzuki workshops, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge through lectures and articles about the method. Alongside her teaching, she continues to perform with the Holland Symphony Orchestra, the Promenade Orchestra, and the Dutch Accompaniment Orchestra.

Laura Keunzenkamp – Suzuki Viola and Violin Teacher

Laura is a viola and violin teacher based in The Hague, The Netherlands. After completing her viola studies at the Maastricht Conservatory in 2015, she discovered her true passion lay in teaching students of all ages. She now teaches at Strijkdomein, a vibrant collective of Suzuki and non-Suzuki string teachers, where she helps organise creative projects and events for young musicians.

Since 2018, Laura has been teaching using the Suzuki Method. She completed all levels of Suzuki Violin training at the Conservatory of Antwerp, and is currently completing Level 5 for Suzuki Viola in Edinburgh and London. Laura regularly teaches at international Suzuki workshops, including the National Suzuki Workshop in The Netherlands, the European Suzuki Viola Gathering, Musica Molto, Con Calore Autumn Workshop in Belgium, and the BSMA National Suzuki Workshop in the UK.

Guillem Calvo - Suzuki Violin Teacher and Trainer

Guillem’s journey as a Suzuki violin teacher has been inspired by his own experiences as a young Suzuki student, developing into a passion for music education. His teaching spans workshops and group lessons across the UK, Europe, and online, with a focus on creating supportive, engaging environments for his students and their parents. Guillem is also a co-founder of Insight Suzuki, an initiative aimed at bringing Suzuki teachers and parents together for training and community. His teaching is rooted in fostering both musical skills and personal development, emphasizing the transformative power of consistent practice and mindful listening.

What You’ll Learn (Session Highlights)

• How to notice and adjust the “emotional tone” of practice 

• Ways to create structure and flexibility at home

• Why your presence matters more than perfection

• Strategies for handling resistance, frustration, or pressure

• Stories and reflections from our teaching and parenting experiences

Who is it for?

Parents of Suzuki students (beginners to advanced)

Teachers are also welcome to attend and share insights.

Reserve Your Spot

There are limited spaces to this talk, that is why we need you to register! Please send to other families/teachers who might be interested!

Register now to receive the Zoom link and a reminder email.