Indiana born, trained in public schools at age 9. Camelot program of music 1950's, chosen as the Arion Award winner by the Kiwanis club for outstanding musicianship. Awarded a full scholarship in music to University of Evansville. Also won scholarships to University of Southern Illinois for summer string camps. Played with Indiana University students in a co-op orchestra, The Evansville Philharmonic, as a paid violinist in senior year and first year of college.

Transferred to BYU after one year at U of E. Majored in Violin Performance, on scholarship, playing in all 3 orchestras on different instruments. Teachers in Indiana: Lura Walker, Kurt Schuster, Brian Hanly.

Teachers at BYU: Lawrence Sardoni, Percy Kalt, and David Dalton (viola.) Studied with Daniel Guillet of Indiana University while home for the summer.

Added the Music Education major and graduated in Music Ed August 18, 1972 from BYU. Broke the tip of my finger and could not officially do senior recital, so I left the official performance degree behind.

Taught strings in Rexburg, Idaho in 10 Elementary and Jr/Sr. Highs for 2 years, concurrently taught as a violin instructor for non-majors at Ricks College - 1972-74. Gave senior recital there in 1973 with Clyne Barrus to dedicate the new Madison High School (unofficially!)

Helped establish the Suzuki movement at BYU with Steve Goodman and Ted Ashton, established the first student chapter of MENC at BYU and served as Vice-President, also elected Vice-President of the Idaho String Teachers Association while in Rexburg.

Married in 1972, 5 daughters, and continued violin study with Hiroko Primrose, Oscar Chasow, and helped establish the Suzuki Association of America, teaching in the early institutes at Weber State, Utah State, and University of Utah. Played First Chair in the Salt Lake Repertory Orchestra led by Jay Welch, which later became the Salt Lake Symphony. Continued playing with Jay's Chamber group for 10 years, moving to principal viola. Established Susan's Suzuki School in 1978, private studio from home.

Served on Sandy Education Committee for Mayor Steve Newton, helped establish the Sandy Orchestra, played 1st chair viola, and established the Hocking Trio in 1970's, playing (violin) at the governor's mansion for the Bangerter terms, and for the Western Governor's Conference.

Served in various positions in SAU, established the All-City Children's Orchestra with grants from UAC in 1984. Left in 1992, signing it over to Devon Colby. Returned in 1995 after teaching strings in Las Vegas, Nevada and Gunnison, Utah. Established the Music from the Heart Children's Orchestra in 2000, receiving UAC grants in 2005.

Served on the Taylorsville Arts Council from 2003-2006, helping establish the Taylorsville Symphony. Renewed Suzuki credentials to Book 7 from 2003-2004. Established a new piano trio and performed with the West Valley Symphony on Beethoven's Triple Concerto April of 2003. Studied Special Education at the University of Utah, later receiving endorsement from Utah State. Taught resource in Granite Schools from 1999-2003. Currently teaching in Jordan District in Elementary Resource.