Discover how to ignite true musical expression from the very first lesson. This session offers joyful, practical strategies for developing tone, body awareness, and artistry—right alongside posture and bow hold. Whether in private lessons or group classes, you’ll learn how to guide students beyond the basics and help them connect more deeply with their instrument, their sound, and the music they create.
Target Audience
strings elementary level teachers
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Shu-Yi Scott
Dr. Shu-Yi Scott
Suzuki Cello Teacher Trainer | Clinician | Studio Coach | Founder of the Austin Cello Festival | President of the Austin Youth Orchestra
Dr. Shu-Yi Scott is a registered Suzuki cello teacher trainer, internationally respected clinician, and passionate mentor to teachers around the world. Her teaching is known for its warmth, clarity, and effectiveness—bridging deep musical knowledge with practical strategies that inspire both teachers and students. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Dr. Scott now lives in Austin, Texas, where she directs the Scott Cello Studio and the annual Austin Cello Festival, a vibrant celebration of community, pedagogy, and performance.
She currently serves as President of the Austin Youth Orchestra, where she champions inclusive ensemble training that nurtures both musical excellence and student development across all levels.
As a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas Training Committee (2023–2025), Dr. Scott plays an active role in shaping the future of Suzuki education. She holds a DMA in Cello Performance from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with legendary pedagogue Phyllis Young, and an MM from Penn State University under Dr. Kim Cook. She earned the SAA Certificate of Achievement in 2015 and became a Suzuki Cello Teacher Trainer in 2019.
Over the years, Dr. Scott has trained and mentored more than 400 cello teachers worldwide through Suzuki teacher training courses, workshops, and customized coaching. Her signature style blends child-centered pedagogy with structured sequencing, making the Suzuki philosophy come alive with clarity and joy. Whether helping a new teacher feel confident with Twinkles or guiding an experienced teacher through advanced group class design, Dr. Scott brings insight, energy, and grounded support to every session.
She is especially passionate about multi-level group class pedagogy—empowering teachers to lead inclusive, skill-building group experiences that unify beginners and advanced players. Her group class approach makes the Suzuki philosophy tangible, turning group time into a joyful, motivating cornerstone of studio life. Complementing this work, her unique Learning in Motion online resources offer innovative, tactile-based strategies—using toys, props, and games—to help students internalize cello technique through joyful, movement-rich learning.
Dr. Scott also co-created the free resource “Shu-Yi & Merlin: Let’s Talk About Music Teaching”—a reflective video series with Canadian Suzuki piano teacher trainer Dr. Merlin Thompson, offering thoughtful conversations on creativity, sustainability, and meaningful teaching.
Whether through teacher training, festival leadership, or her own studio coaching, Dr. Scott is committed to helping teachers worldwide feel supported, empowered, and inspired in their work.
Yvonne Davila-Cortes
Yvonne Davila-Cortes is originally from Chicago and began Suzuki violin at the age of five. She attended DePaul University and received her B.M. in Music Business and Violin Performance under Joseph Genualdi. During that time, she had the opportunity to substitute with the Chicago Civic Orchestra. She received her M.M. in Violin Performance at UW-Madison under Vartan Manoogian. Dr. Davila-Cortes has appeared as a soloist at the AIMS Music Festival in Solsona, Spain and at the Rural Musicians Forum in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Dr. Davila-Cortes was a member of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and a substitute with The Madison Symphony Orchestra. She served as an Adjunct Instructor at Ripon College, conducted an elementary string orchestra in McFarland, Wisconsin and established Suzuki violin studios in both Madison and Spring Green, Wisconsin. Dr. Davila-Cortes moved to Texas to pursue her Teaching Certification and Doctorate in Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin. During her time in Texas, Dr. Davila-Cortes was Orchestra Director of a middle school in Round Rock ISD. She was also the Director of the Austin Youth Concertante Orchestra. She maintained a private Suzuki studio and served on the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin String Project, for which she has served as Preschool Coordinator and Assistant Director. Dr. Davila-Cortes’ research interests focus on children’s musical development, parent education, and children’s musical achievement. Dr. Davila-Cortes has presented her research at the Suzuki of the Americas Association, American String Teachers and Texas Music Educators Association conferences.