Sharon Neufeld

With 42 years of playing experience and 27 years of teaching experience, Sharon Neufeld is a highly trained Violin and Viola instructor registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). She currently operates private studios in Sioux Falls, SD; Luverne, MN; and here on Lessonface! Previously, she operated a private studio in Rochester, MN, and was the Instrumental Ensembles Director at Schaeffer Academy in Rochester. Between 2013-2017, Ms. Sharon was the Executive Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Suzuki Academy (ISA), where she also served as ISA’s Director & Instructor of Violin and Viola Programs and directed special programs such as Chamber Music, Performance Groups, and the Master Class Series. Prior to ISA, Ms. Sharon was the Founder & Owner of The Suzuki Academy of Southwest Colorado (formerly Rose Haven Suzuki Academy) and Kindermusik at The Suzuki Academy of Southwest Colorado, both in Durango, CO. During her tenure in Durango, she also served as the Director of the Preparatory Strings Orchestra of the Four Corners Youth Symphony Association, and the Academic Director of the Durango Chamber Music Academy. A lifelong musician who began Violin lessons at the age of 7, Ms. Sharon added the Viola to her musical life at the age of 12. She holds a Master of Music in Viola Performance from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, TX; a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, OH; and attended the prestigious High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. Her early training as a student, and later as a teacher, was with Master Suzuki Violin Teacher Judy Offman in Houston. In addition to her education and many years of experience, she has acquired extensive teacher training, having registered SAA Violin/Viola Teacher Training Courses with Judy Offman (ECC, Violin Unit 1), Martha Shackford (Violin/Viola Units 2-3), Nancy Jackson (Violin Units 4-7, Suzuki Principles in Action, and Bowing Skills through Book 6), William Preucil, Sr. (Viola Unit 5-6), and Pat D'Ercole (Violin Long-Term Practicum). She is also in the process of attaining her SAA Certificate of Achievement, and is working towards certification to become an SAA Teacher Trainer for Violin and Viola. Ms. Sharon's teaching is centered around The Suzuki Philosophy, specializing in working with young children, starting at age 3 or 4, through adults. She incorporates solid technique development, scales, basic music theory & history, and ear & rhythm training into each child’s musical education. More advanced students are challenged with advanced scales, etudes and repertoire. All teaching is tailored to each student’s individual strengths, pace, and learning style(s). Starting from the age of 10, Ms. Sharon has enjoyed extensive ensemble performing experience in different contexts and locations around the country and the world, including chamber music groups and orchestras in Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Southern Russia. While living in Durango, she was the Principal Violist of the San Juan Symphony, and often collaborated with other area professional musicians to bring great chamber music to the Four Corners region as part of the Durango Bach Festival, the Durango Chamber Music Festival, and other musical events in the area. She was also given the honor of Principal Violist of the Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra in 2012. When she's not teaching or performing, Ms. Sharon enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and household DIY projects. She is also an experienced breeder of gorgeous European and American Golden Retrievers, who love a good game of fetch and then coming into the house for snuggles!