Our Story

Amy Gesmer-Packman founded Boulder Suzuki Strings as a university program in 1982, when she began graduate study with renowned Suzuki pedagogue William Starr at the University of Colorado Boulder. By the time Amy earned her master’s degree in violin performance and pedagogy, Boulder Suzuki Strings had grown to more than 70 students and had become independent of the university. Boulder Suzuki Strings incorporated in 1994 and was awarded 501(c)(3) status in 1996.

Today, Boulder Suzuki Strings has nearly 200 students and 13 teachers, making it the largest Suzuki program in the front range. The program continues its connection with CU Boulder; university music students regularly observe Boulder Suzuki Strings lessons, and faculty members are often guest clinicians at our program’s annual Winter Workshop. Boulder Suzuki Strings graduates have gone on to study at esteemed music schools including Juilliard, Oberlin, Cincinnati CCM, Vanderbilt, and CU Boulder.


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