Ms. Kate Shaner

Kate Shaner (née Inie-Richards) is a dedicated and passionate Suzuki teacher, music educator and arts administrator, who brings enthusiasm and energy to each of her interests. She is the Associate Artistic Director of the Miles Nadal JCC Suzuki Program, and also teaches at the North York Suzuki School of Music.

Prior to moving to Toronto, Kate was the assistant director of Greenwich Suzuki Academy and head of development for the Friends of Greenwich Suzuki Academy fund. She was also a primary member of the violin, viola, and SECE faculty. Prior to joining GSA in 2017, she served as the director of the Milford Branch at The Music School of Delaware and a core violin and viola faculty member in the school’s Suzuki Academy from 2013-2017. In 2016, Kate was selected as one of Delaware’s top young professionals and received the Delaware Business Times “Best 40 under 40” award. From 2008 to 2013, she taught viola and chamber music at Interlochen Arts Summer Camp. She also served on the board of directors for the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association from 2016-2017.

Kate is a registered Suzuki teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas in ECC, SPA, SECE Unit 1, violin units 1-6, violin practicum, and viola unit 5. She is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and holds degrees from the University of Memphis (B.M.) and Ithaca College (M.M., Suzuki Pedagogy). While at Ithaca College, she completed the long term Suzuki training program under Sanford Reuning and Carrie Reuning-Hummel, with additional instruction from Edward Kreitman, Stephanie Sandven, Teri Einfeldt and April Losey. Kate has studied Suzuki Early Childhood Education with trainers Lynn McCall and Danette Schuh. Her principal viola teachers have included Debra Moree, Lenny Schranze, David Holland and Shelley Beard Santore. Kate’s students have been accepted into prestigious training programs including Interlochen Arts Academy and Sphinx Performance Academy.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys reading, playing chamber music with friends and gardening. She lives in Toronto with her husband Rabbi Jordan Shaner and their son.