Mrs. Dena Matchak

Part of a growing number of Suzuki students-turned-teachers, I joined the ranks at age 14 when I took on my first students. Since then I have attended short-term training with various instructors including Joanne Bath, Ellie Albers-Leroux, Vera McCoy-Sulentic, Cathy Lee, and Timothy Durbin. I earned my B.A. in Music from Thomas Edison State College, and have played with professional orchestras and performing arts groups in and around Portland Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Maintaining a studio ranging from 15-30 students, I have taught in Southwest Washington, Southern California, and currently in the Napa Valley.
I love teaching students of all age ranges, but especially working with younger children, keeping lessons fast paced and fun. I also like working with older children, passing on to them my love and passion for music. Many of my former students have pursued music as a career, either full or part-time. Although I am thrilled with this, my main goal is to give my students a love for music that will go with them their entire lives, whether music is a career or a beloved hobby.