Over 40 Years of Suzuki String Education in Boulder

Nurturing Music Talent Since 1982

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

What began as a university-based program quickly grew into a thriving community for violin, viola, and cello lessons in Boulder. Today, Boulder Suzuki Strings has nearly 175 students and 12 teachers, making it the largest Suzuki program in the front range. Boulder Suzuki Strings maintains a close connection with CU Boulder. University music students regularly observe lessons as part of their pedagogy training, and CU faculty frequently serve as guest clinicians at our annual Winter Workshop.

Over the years, our graduates have gone on to study at prestigious institutions including Juilliard, Oberlin, Cincinnati CCM, Vanderbilt, and CU Boulder.

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