Neil J. Bacon

I have been fortunate to have studied with many great teachers, from Shinichi Suzuki (I was selected for a masterclass during a workshop in the UK) to Steven Staryk at UW, with many points in between. Along the way, I’ve taken part in international masterclasses in Poland and Germany, learned Irish fiddle tunes, played the great symphonies and concertos, and explored the ways the violin/fiddle expands our world.

In addition to my Suzuki training (level 3 coming soon), I am certified to level 4 (out of 4) in Paul Rolland pedagogy, and use many Rolland ideas and actions in my teaching. Rolland pedagogy builds on the traditions of Carl Flesch and the Hungarian school to incorporate whole body balance, and complements Suzuki “mother-tongue” learning.

I teach the individual student according to their needs and goals, and help connect them with other players with group lessons and recitals. Most students will start out playing “by ear”—with note reading starting before the end of Book 1. For some students, ABRSM grade levels may be an appropriate way to progress.

I am active as a performer with several local groups including Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, Cascade Symphony, and North Corner Chamber Orchestra.