Mallory Mercier
Lead Teacher

My musical journey began at age four with piano lessons and at six, inspired by a violin recital, I eagerly asked my mom to sign me up for violin lessons. Growing up as a Suzuki student, I embraced music as a powerful means of expression without words. The core of my Suzuki experience included private lessons, group classes, advanced performing groups, and community performances. I also participated in trios, quartets, orchestras, and Suzuki Institutes across various states, enriching my musical life.

At 14, I launched my own music studio, managing around 20 students until completing my Associate's Degree in Music at the University of Wisconsin - West Bend. My passion for teaching led me to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music, with a focus on String Pedagogy and Suzuki Teacher Training for Units 1-10, which I completed twice—once during my Bachelor’s and again during my Master’s studies at The University of New Mexico. While in college, I taught as an intern and Graduate Project Assistant at the University of New Mexico Lab School under the mentorship of renowned teacher trainer Susan Kempter. I also was employed at the New Mexico School of Music and Chinook Spirit Children’s Academy where I taught early childhood music classes and developed a thriving Suzuki Violin Program. I also taught at Dimensions School of Dance and Music and Chinook Spirit Children’s Academy. Other Notable certifications include the SAA Every Child Can Course, Music Mind Games Certification in Units 1 and 2, and Early Childhood Education Class Training in Unit 1. 

My journey and training led me across the county in 2017 to Ridgefield Suzuki School, as it was in its second year of operation, to teach, bring creative ideas, fill my role as Lead Teacher, and be part of such a lovely and inspiring community of teachers and families!