ORU Music Professor Named First Suzuki Teacher Trainer in Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University (ORU) Violin and Viola Instructor, Esther Fellows, received the honor of becoming a Suzuki Teacher Trainer for her expertise in musical instruction. She is currently the only person in the state of Oklahoma to hold such a distinction.

Fellow’s Suzuki Teacher Trainer certification is granted by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Course work, workshops and auditions must be completed to be considered for the certification.

The Suzuki Method, conceived by Shinichi Suzuki during the mid-20^th century, utilizes a format which helps children understand and appreciate music at an early age, similar to learning a language. People from all around the world recognize and use the Suzuki Method to teach instrumental music.

In addition to teaching at ORU, Fellows serves as the First Violin in the Signature String Quartet and a section First Violinist with the Signature Symphony Orchestra. She earned a BMEd from the University of Colorado and holds credentials of advanced violin training at the Starling-Delay Symposium, at The Julliard School.

Fellow is a member of the Accredited Music Teachers Association, American Viola Society, Tulsa Music Teachers National Association, American String Teachers Association and the American Federation of Musicians, among others. Fellows has held many positions in the Tulsa Accredited Music Teachers Association, including president.

Students from all around the globe study in the ORU Music Department. ORU is also recognized as an All-Steinway School, a distinction only held by 120 universities. To learn more about ORU’s Music Department visit, http://www.oru.edu/current_students/my_academics/schools/college_of_arts_cultural_studies/music/.