Susan Weller, Piano Instructor
Susan L. Weller is a performer, conductor and teacher who has been working in music for many years in the Santa Barbara, New York and Los Angeles areas. From early days doing dance, music, and mime shows she ventured first to the Los Angeles area, then to New York, before returning to Santa Barbara.
Mrs. Weller was the Music Director for the Santa Barbara Revels 2022/23 season, doing research, arranging numerous musical numbers, directing adult chorus, children’s chorus, and the instrumental group. In the previous decade she was a Choral Director/Music Specialist with the Palos Verdes Peninsula school district. For many years she has worked in music ministry in a variety of faith traditions as a soloist, section leader, and directing Handbell groups. In Los Angeles she taught with Gray School of Music, Music Rhapsody and Amuse Music Center. When living in New York she performed with The Goliard Ensemble; and also worked in the Development Department at Lincoln Center/Chamber Music Society. Mrs. Weller worked as an accompanist in the studio of Natalie Bodanya Gorman for several years; and coached opera arias and art songs. In her young years she played violin, and then flute in various
groups including Les Sept Jongleurs.
Education: Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from California State University at Northridge in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance. Early musical training was with G. Fisher, M. Hsia and N. Bodanya in Santa Barbara, including studies at the Music Academy of the West. Recent studies include certification in Orff Schulwerk. She earned her California Teaching Credential, Multiple Subjects, at California State University at Dominguez Hills with additional studies at USC and UCLA.
Susan has directed numerous ensembles, served as soloist and section leader in several music ministries, and taught music, and most other subjects, in private and public schools. She has found that the uses of rhythm, movement, melody, poetry, and harmony are powerful unifying elements for all people; and hold tremendous promise for the future of civilization. Her professional affiliations include Music Teachers Association of California and the American Choral Directors Association.