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.
Master teacher
Dr. Spring has been teaching music to young people for over a half century. For 36 years he was a university professor (Otterbein & Walla Walla Universities) teaching violin, viola, theory/composition, orchestra & chamber music. He holds degrees in violin, theory, and composition from La Sierra and Texas Christian Universities, and the University of Washington. Among his teachers were William Kroll & Emanuel Zetlin (violin) and John Verrall, Robert Suderberg, Ralph Guenther & Perry Beach (composition.)
During the 1990’s Spring began to add summer teaching of younger students to his activities, and found it very much to his liking. After retiring from university professorship in 2001, pre-college music teaching became his primary professional focus, along with composing on commission from various artists and ensembles.
