In Memoriam: Carol Tarr

We are so sad to share that our admired Cello Teacher Trainer, colleague, and friend, Carol Tarr passed away this week of natural causes. Her son, Andrew Tarr shared the news on social media on November 5th. As more information is available, we will keep our members informed.

These words can be found posted on Carol’s website: Finding the best way to help students learn to play the cello with joy and ease was one of Carol Tarr’s passions and lifetime pursuits.  A native of Helena, Montana, Carol used to drive from Helena for lessons with Florence Reynolds at the University of Montana while she was in high school. 

Carol received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California in cello performance, and a Master of Music from Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD.  She also studied with Christopher Bunting in London England.   Carol has attended several International String Workshops, many ASTA national conferences, and every Suzuki Association of the Americans Conference.  She taught Suzuki Cello Pedagogy at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music, for twenty years, retiring in 2016. She has also served on the faculty of Beloit College, University of Northern Colorado, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Metropolitan State College of Denver.   

Carol was a registered Teacher Trainer with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.   She has served as a member of the Suzuki Cello Committee, Suzuki Principle in Action Committee, Board of Directors, and is a founding member of the Suzuki Association of Colorado. She has taught teachers and students at institutes and workshops in over thirty states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.  

Carol has said, “The main element in my teaching philosophy is that music is a very powerful tool to help people learn to think, listen, focus, and collaborate. One learns to co-ordinate many skills at one time. Most people can learn to play a musical instrument if they are motivated, willing to work, and have a skillful coach. Any skill that requires “doing” as well as thinking requires commitment, time, and help from the family. My goal as a teacher is to give the student the skills and knowledge so that music can be a lifetime pleasure both as a participant and an intelligent listener.”

We are so grateful for her many contributions to our organization, and most importantly to the Suzuki world. We are so grateful to her, and will remember her always.