cassie harrison

Cassie Harrison (she/her) is an empathetic educator who is dedicated to cultivating the wonder and self-expression of her viola and violin students. She began studying the violin at age 4 with Patricia Thayer, a devoted Suzuki teacher in Williamsport, PA. At the first lesson, Pat asked Cassie, "Have you heard the song, 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'?" Timidly, Cassie shook her head "no," even though the answer was "yes"! With loving support and lots of practice, studying violin helped Cassie to grow in confidence, personally and musically. Her love of learning and desire to nurture others evolved into an interest in teaching. 

During her undergraduate years in Houghton, NY, Cassie studied violin, viola, and pedagogy with Martha & Steven Thomas, two outstanding music educators who generously answered Cassie's many questions & supported her as she began teaching. Cassie graduated with a B.Mus. in Violin Performance in 2018.

Next, Cassie came to Ithaca College to obtain her M.Mus. in Suzuki Pedagogy & Violin Performance (2020). The combination of Suzuki pedagogical and deep reflective work in training with esteemed, insightful Carrie Reuning-Hummel, along with hands-on experiences (such as teaching violin & viola to undergrad music education students, assisting with ITE group classes, and teaching individual lessons) was incredibly enriching and continues to inspire Cassie's teaching to this day. Other remarkable Suzuki teacher trainers Cassie has learned from are Kirsten Marshall, Teri Einfeldt, Winifred Crock, and Gail Johansen.

With wholehearted belief in Dr. Suzuki's philosophy that "Every Child Can," Cassie immersed herself in an independent study that focused on making the Suzuki Method accessible to students with disabilities & their families. Cassie maintains a core value of inclusion and aims to create a welcoming environment for students of all abilities.

Cassie's curiosity led her to also begin studying the viola in 2016. Her appreciation of the instrument and those who play it continues to deepen every year. It is her joy to support students in creating the rich, resonant tone of the viola!