Ms. Hope C. Neel

Hi! I am Hope Smith, Registered Suzuki Instructor in Pre-Twinkle up to book 7. I run a small studio out of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jonesboro, AR. I started studying Suzuki violin in the North Suburban Special Education District in the north suburbs of Chicago, IL at age six. I continued my studies after moving to Arkansas in 1978 with the Suzuki Music School of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR and then in private study with Dr. Richard Fuchs who was on the music faculty with the University of Arkansas. While in High School, I enjoyed the honor of participating in the Arkansas All State Symphony Orchestra in 1983 and 1984. In 1985, I had the honor to participate in the Music Festival of Arkansas, under the direction of Carlton Woods. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Music Education with emphasis in Music Therapy from Phillips University, Enid OK in 1993. During my college years I was principle second violinist with the Enid-Phillips Symphony Orchestra under the Direction of Douglas Newell.
Before becoming a Suzuki Violin Instructor, I practiced in the field of music therapy. It was through those experiences which helped to develop my teaching style, tailored to the student’s style of learning, and always having multiple plans in place during a lesson.
Students starting at age 5 and up are welcome along with their parents. At Hope’s Suzuki Strings, learning is a lifelong endeavor in a fun and nurturing environment.