The ISA notes with sadness the passing of Lorraine Fink, renowned SAA Suzuki pedagogue and one of the first Suzuki violin teachers in the United Sates. Her lifetime’s dedication to the Suzuki Method began with her initial training under Dr. Suzuki at the Project Super event, Eastman in 1966. Lorraine was an SAA Teacher Trainer and taught at numerous Institutes and workshops nationally and internationally. She served as Secretary of the SAA Board, editor of the SAA Journal, member of the SAA Violin Committee, and president of the Los Angeles branch (SMAC/LA). For many years she was the Suzuki String Coordinator at The Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Her professional training included the Juilliard School, Music Academy of the West and San Francisco Conservatory.
During her many years in teaching in Athens,Ohio, she helped to establish the Ability Development Associates publishing company where she was managing editor of Suzuki World magazine and authored several introductory chapters for books dealing with Talent Education. Lorraine is also remembered for her significant Suzuki publications which include the Quick Steps to Note Reading series for violin, viola and cello, A Parents Guide to String Instrument Study, plus several string orchestra arrangements of popular violin solos, primarily from the Suzuki repertoire and performed by Suzuki students and teachers around the world.
Her daughter Kristine Fink shared the pictures below and these thoughts about her mom:
“Celebrating the life of Lorraine Fink who passed away Thursday, 1/27/2022 at age 90 after a brief illness. She influenced so many students and teachers for 45 years with her love of teaching the “Suzuki way”. Always kind and encouraging, even as a mother.”
The ISA thanks Lorraine’s family for sharing her talents, advice, wit and unwavering commitment to her teaching and mentorship in the world-wide Suzuki community.
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