“For the sake of our children let us educate them from the cradle to have a noble mind, a high sense of values and splendid ability.” 
-Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

About the Greater New Orleans Suzuki Forum

The Greater New Orleans Suzuki Forum exists to promote the Suzuki Method in the Greater New Orleans area, to the edification of children, parents, and teachers. To accomplish this, the Forum provides:


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GNO Suzuki Forum History

The Greater New Orleans Suzuki Forum is a non-profit organization founded in 1978 by violinist Doris Hansen for the purpose of offering an annual teaching institute in the New Orleans area. Since that time, the Forum has collaborated with the Japanese Consulate, Tulane and Loyola Universities, the Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Jefferson Performing Arts Center to bring the world famous Japanese Talent Education Tour group to New Orleans on five different occasions.  Forum students  perform throughout the Greater New Orleans area in music festivals and concerts, as well as for schools, charitable organizations, and rest homes, during the school year. Celebration in the Oaks, Zoo-to-Do for Kids, the Preservation Resource Tour, Japan Fest, and Jazz Fest have all featured Forum students performing classical and fiddle music. Some Forum students have played in local orchestras, notably the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra. Many have gone on to have their own teaching careers. A few have even become professional performers. But most importantly, through the development of their musical ability, all have learned life skills that continue to enrich themselves and their communities.

GNO Suzuki Forum Board


Executive Board

Tatiana Pino, Artistic Director

Carrie Telthorst, President

Janice Bailey, Treasurer

Kathleen Tyree, Secretary and Advisor to the Board

Anita Coxen-Loud, Membership Secretary

Managing Board

​Trudy Burkart, ​Hospitality Officer