Violin Instructor Biography

Nora Bellows enjoys a life-long relationship with the Suzuki Method. Enrolled at the age of three in the University of Arkansas' Fayetteville Suzuki School, under the guidance of Martha Shackford, Mrs. Bellows received her foundation in Suzuki Methodology. She continued her instruction with traditional teachers upon moving to Maine at age 14. As a teenager, Mrs. Bellows enjoyed playing in the local youth orchestra and joined the University of Maine orchestra at 16. While earning her B.S. in Education, Mrs. Bellows studied under Dr. Anatole Wieck, an international performer educated at Julliard. Dr. Wieck's insightful instruction on technique and musical interpretation further educated Mrs. Bellows as a teacher and performer.  

Mrs. Bellows began her career in Suzuki instruction at RDL Strings Studio in Bangor, Maine in 1997. In addition to her private students she created and implemented introductory Suzuki violin programs for two local Montessori schools.  Mrs. Bellows was also an instructor at the Norfolk Virginia Academy of Music instructing Suzuki violin lessons, both private and group, as well as daily pre-school music classes.

After relocating to St. Louis Missouri, in 2005, Mrs. Bellows joined the Kirkwood Academy of Music as a private Suzuki violin teacher. In 2006 Mrs. Bellows opened a violin studio in Washington to provide quality education and performance opportunities for the children of Franklin County MO. Currently Mrs. Bellows is a faculty member of the Kirkwood Academy of Music, General Music Teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Union Mo and the Owner/ resident Violin Instructor of Washington Academy of Music. Her love of music and children continues to create a nurturing environment that inspires musical excellence.

Mrs. Bellows is a Registered Suzuki Violin Instructor with training from Capital University, Columbus Ohio, the Chicago Suzuki Institute, IL and two apprenticeships with Suzuki Teacher Trainer Joesph Kaminksy, St. Louis MO. Other Suzuki Teacher Trainers have included Linda Steig and Michelle George.  Mrs. Bellows is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the National Federation of Music Clubs. Currently Mrs. Bellows is the Vice President of the Saint Louis Metro Violin Association. 

For lessons call 636-390-0520 or email washingotonacademyofmusic@gmail.com

 Piano Instructor Biography

Anne Stahl holds a degree in English from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and a teaching certificate from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.  Anne's musical training began at the age of four with piano lessons from Mrs. Rosamund Duncan who taught her that music is a source of joy, beauty and love.

Anne has been teaching piano for over 5 years and prefers the Suzuki approach combined with traditional method books. Anne completed Every Child Can and her book 1 Suzuki training at the Chicago Suzki Institute.

Anne's musical experience includes past positions as Music Theater Director and show pianist at Washington High School for six years; Music Theater Director and show pianist at East Central College for two years; and Music Theater Director and show pianist for Southern Illinios University Edwardsville for one summer.  She has also served as staff pianist for both East Central College and Washington High School.  Anne is currently employed as a church musician for both Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Church and First United Methodist Church of Washington, MO.

Anne believes that any child can learn to play the piano. She also believes that the teacher's role is to nurture each student with gentle guidance, warmth, and encouragement, while cultivating the joy and fun music brings.

To inquire about lessons call (636) 390-0520 or email washingtonacademyofmusic@gmail.com

Voice Instructor Biography

Kathleen Quint earned her degree in vocal performance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  She studied with Dr. Raymond Feener for four years and learned classical voice technique.  At the UMKC Conservatory she performed in many operas including roles in Albert Herring and Dido and Aeneas.  Kathleen also enjoyed her vocal pedagogy class taught by Dr. Anne Delaney.

At age seven Kathleen sang her first solo "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin and fell in love with music and singing.  From there she joined the St. Catharine Children's Choir in Manchester New Hampshire. She was also a member of Attitudes, a singing and acting group, where she sang at local nursing homes, yearly productions, and in Las Vegas.

Kathleen moved to the Washington area in 2000.  That year she began voice lessons with Rhonda MacAffee and continued lessons until thriugh college.  She sang with choirs like: the St. Francis Borgia Adult Choir, the Combined Christian Choir, the 2005 and 2006 Missouri All-State Choir, the Washington High School's Chamber Choir and the Meistersingers.  At WHS Kathleen also performed in musicals including roles in Footloose and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.In addition to those roles Kathleen performed in HONK! and in the review Broadway and Beyond at East Central College.  During the summer of 2004 she enrolled in the Opera Theater of St. Louis' Young Artist Program and fell in love with opera.

Kathleen continues to advance her singing ability through private study with Christine Armistead at Washington University. Kathleen is the General Music Teacher and Children's Choir director at Saint Ignatus .  Kathleen maintains a private voice studio at the Washington Academy of Music teaching students classical vocal technique and musical theater.  

For lessons or more information call (636) 390-0520 or e-mail washingtonacademyofmusic@gmail.com