Mrs. Cathyanne Nonini

Cathyanne Nonini is a Registered Suzuki Violin Teacher and Clinician, now retired, She had a highly successful studio in Northern Idaho. A traditional violin student in her training, she has embraced the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki which is founded on the belief that a child will always love music and develop a beautiful heart with learning music at a young age. Note reading begins at age 4 (a common misconception is that Suzuki students do not read music). Focusing on music at a young age helps develop parts of the brain that would otherwise not be used. The teacher/parent/student relationship develops a bond that helps nourish the child’s love for music, enhancing their lives.

Cathyanne began playing the violin at the age of 8. She studied with Eugenia Scoville of the Detroit Symphony and with Master Violinist Mischa Mischakoff (Concertmaster of the famed NBC Symphony Orchestra under Toscanini as well as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra). Relocating to New York, Cathyanne continued her violin studies with Oscar Ravina of the New York Philharmonic. During those studies she had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Recital Hall. For three summers she was a student at the Aspen Music Festival.

Cathyanne is now retired, and was a frequent soloist and orchestral violinist in Coeur d’Alene and has performed with the Spokane Symphony, Gonzaga University Orchestra, Coeur d’Alene Symphony, Helena Symphony and Kalispell Symphony. Cathyanne spent 3 summer playing with the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre as a pit violinist. She loves to play at nursing homes and other charitable venues.

Cathyanne plays the viola in a string quartet—NPQ Strings. The ladies meet weekly for 3 hours and sight- read any and all repertoire they can get their hands on (Cathyanne is the librarian and the coach). The four are great friends and have a hoot! They will perform, donating their earnings to the Coeur d’Alene Symphony.

She has performed for Donald O’Connor, the Moody Blues, former First Lady Barbara Bush, and the Idaho State Republican Convention. Cathyanne played at the inauguration banquet for former Attorney General Al Lance (now Federal Judge) when he became the National Commander of the American Legion. Recently she was the featured soloist at the National Attorney Generals’ Conference. In February of 2007, she was the guest artist at the Idaho State Capitol for Senate and House Lincoln Day Events. In June of 2014 Cathyanne was the guest violinist for the Idaho State Republican Convention, performing for Senator Rand Paul and other elected officials. Cathyanne played at St. Thomas Catholic Church at weekly Mass for 28 years. She performed at the American Legion’s annual Memorial Day tribute for the 10 years as well as many other functions for Veterans’ events. Cathyanne now plays at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene.

Currently interest include piano lessons from Dr. Colleen Hunter (working on Chopin) and learning the concertina, melodeon and ukulele. She is fluent in Italian, French and German—learning Polish and Hungarian. Never a dull moment!

Cathyanne is married to Senator Bob Nonini (retired), and they live on Harbor Island. Her other activities include cooking and baking, sewing/knitting/crocheting, reading, skiing and gardening (she is a Certified Master Gardener). Now that the Noninis are “empty nesters” (all pets having crossed the Rainbow Bridge) and are now enjoying traveling. 2024 and 2026 bring trips to Europe. In 2027 they plan on skiing in the Dolomites—with CA’s new knees, recently replaced. Life is good!