Our Teachers' Bios

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Ronnie Crisp received his musical education from the University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, Honors College, Graduate Certificate in Performance) and the University of Denver (Master of Music in Suzuki Violin Pedagogy). He studied violin under William Terwilliger and Mark Rush, as well as being mentored by Rebecca Hunter, Katherine Knight, Eli Kalman, and Jameson Cooper-among other-in chamber music. Additionally, Mr. Crisp received a majority of his pedagogical approach from Kathleen Spring during his study at the University of Denver.

An avid reader, Mr. Crisp researches the impact previous pedagogical figures have had on present day, implementing philosophies and pedagogical approaches to his students.  

Mr. Crisp believes that music provides children the opportunity to learn and grow through play and having fun. This opportunity helps to develop the curiosity and inquisitive spirit in child that will serve them well in every walk of life.

Leah started the violin at age 5 under the guidance of the Black Hills Suzuki School. She continued to cultivate her musical skills by twice studying at the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute. Leah successfully competed in the Rapid City Young Artist competition and performed a solo with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, Leah earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and received the Instrumental Performance Award and the Academic Achievement Award from CUA’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music.  

In addition to performing in many classical settings, Leah has tracked violin on multiple albums and played live with numerous bands. Throughout this time, Leah has held a passion for teaching violin.  Leah completed the Certificate in Suzuki Violin Pedagogy at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music under the guidance of Kathleen Spring. Leah is excited to more fully implement her beliefs in Suzuki Violin methodology through the Primavera Place Suzuki School.

Sarah Stenbakken holds a BM and MM in Violin and Viola Performance from the University of Denver where she studied with Yumi Hwang-Williams and Basil Vendryes. She received her Suzuki training and certification with James Maurer and Kathleen Spring and has 15+ years of teaching experience. She believes that learning an instrument should be fun and engaging for the student. She works with each individual’s learning style and strives to keep lessons enjoyable and challenging. She believes that every child has the capacity to learn an instrument well.

 Autumn Pepper has demonstrated a strong passion for teaching and performing and she hopes to use her qualifications to the betterment of others.

Ms. Autumn received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (Magna Cum Laude) and Suzuki (Books 1-8) Certification from the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music under the tutelage of Mark Rush and Kathleen Spring. From the University of Colorado, Boulder, she earned her Master of Music in Violin Pedagogy and Performance where she studied with Margaret Berg, Harumi Rhodes, and Claude Sim. Throughout her training she has collaborated with world-class players such as the Takács Quartet, Brian Lewis, and Midori. 

Well-established in Colorado, she has taught for Boulder Suzuki Strings, Castle Rock Music, Denver Musical Arts, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, El Sistema Colorado, and the Music Education Center. She has performed with the Boulder Philharmonic, Cheyenne Symphony, Denver Philharmonic, Englewood Arts, Fort Collins Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Longmont Symphony, and Pueblo Symphony (not to mention OPIUO, Evanescence, and at Red Rocks!). 

Ms. Autumn hopes to never stop honing her craft or developing the passion for life that music inspires, and she knows she can pass that wonderment and excitement on to her students.