Meet The Teacher
“Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited."
Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki
Hi, I’m Tamara!
I’m so glad you’re here!
I teach violin in Cumming, GA!
I grew up in New York and began studying the violin when I was eight years old. Music has been an important part of my life ever since, and I’m grateful that something I loved so much growing up and that was an huge part of my life, eventually became something I get to share with others!
Throughout my years of private violin study, I enjoyed playing in youth orchestras and chamber ensembles. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform with the Gemini Youth Symphony Orchestra, Sound Symphony Orchestra, Massapequa Philharmonic and Sound Symphony of North Georgia. Some of my favorite musical memories include performing at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall and attending summer music intensives in New York City, along with the friendships and experiences that came from making music with others.
I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music and Romance Languages, followed by a master’s degree in Education. I’ve always loved both music and languages, and I find it fascinating how closely the two connect. Just as children learn to speak through listening, repetition, and encouragement, they can develop musical skills in much the same way. It’s one of the things I appreciate most about the Suzuki Method.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, I specialize in beginner and intermediate violin instruction for children and teens. I’ve completed registered Suzuki violin teacher training in Books 1–4 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, along with additional advanced studies in Book 5. I continue to pursue professional development in violin pedagogy and enjoy helping my students develop strong technique, musical understanding, and confidence in their playing.
My Teaching Approach
My teaching is firmly rooted in the Suzuki Method, while also incorporating supplemental repertoire appropriate to each student’s level. Along with developing strong technique and good playing habits, students gradually learn to read music, explore age-appropriate music theory, and strengthen their overall musicianship.
I believe children learn best when they feel comfortable, encouraged, and supported. Every child brings a different personality, learning style, and pace of development to lessons, and I enjoy getting to know each student and finding ways to help them grow.
One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students accomplish something they once found challenging, whether it’s playing their very first song, mastering a new technique, or performing confidently at a recital. Those moments of progress are incredibly rewarding!
I’m also a mom of three, including three string musicians (violin, cello and piano!) so I understand the joys and challenges of supporting a child’s musical education from the parent’s perspective, too. I know that practicing isn’t always easy, that families have busy schedules, and that patience, encouragement, and consistency make a difference.
At FoCo Suzuki Strings, I focus on providing excellent violin instruction in a warm, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and making steady, meaningful progress. My goal is to help students build a strong technical and musical foundation while developing a genuine love for the violin.
Whether students continue playing for personal enjoyment or eventually pursue advanced musical studies, I want them to have the skills, confidence, and foundation to continue growing as musicians.
I look forward to meeting you and your family!
Tamara
Mrs. Gierum is an active member of the Suzuki Association of America (SAA), Has served as a board member and translator for the Suzuki Association of GA (SAGA), a member of El Sistema, American String Teachers Association and Georgia Music Educators Association.
Mrs. Tamara Gierum
The Suzuki method of teaching violin became of great interest to Mrs. Gierum since it parallels the same philosophy and teaching practice as language acquisition.
Learning a musical language requires the same approach as learning a native language. Thus, her teaching degrees and musical background combined with her proficient abilities to both speak and teach in English and Spanish led her to become a Suzuki teacher. Mrs. Gierum sought out and received further Suzuki teacher training at Atlanta Suzuki Institute at The University of Georgia learning from top trainers in the field who studied with Dr. Suzuki themselves.
Mrs. Gierum cherishes her ability to pass on the legacies from her own teachers while also incorporating her classroom teaching experience and her passion for music so that her students can reach success.
Additionally, as a Suzuki parent of both a violin and two cello players, her understanding of musical children and their developmental process is extensive.
Formally trained in Music Education K-12 and violin pedagody, Mrs. Gierum has made the violin a part of her life since she was 8 years old, gaining four years of experience in the Gemini Youth Symphony under the direction and mentorship of Maestro Stephen Radcliffe and performing with GYO at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. Her additional orchestral and performance experience includes performing as a violinist with the Sound Symphony, Massapequa Philharmonic, and the High Rise String Trio. Never losing sight of her love for music and langauge or the learning process, she advanced her studies receiving a Bachelors degree in Music and Romance Languages. She moved on to obtain a Master of Education in K-12. Ms. Gierum is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher with the Suzuki Assosication of the Americas.
Fun Fact about Ms. Gierum: She is fluent in English, Spanish and proficient in Italian and French!
Mrs. Gierum cherishes her ability to pass on the legacies from her own teachers while also incorporating her classroom teaching experience and her passion for music so that her students can reach success.
Additionally, as a Suzuki parent of both a violin and two cello players, her understanding of musical children and their developmental process is extensive.
Formally trained in Music Education K-12 and violin pedagody, Mrs. Gierum has made the violin a part of her life since she was 8 years old, gaining four years of experience in the Gemini Youth Symphony under the direction and mentorship of Maestro Stephen Radcliffe and performing with GYO at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. Her additional orchestral and performance experience includes performing as a violinist with the Sound Symphony, Massapequa Philharmonic, and the High Rise String Trio. Never losing sight of her love for music and langauge or the learning process, she advanced her studies receiving a Bachelors degree in Music and Romance Languages. She moved on to obtain a Master of Education in K-12. Ms. Gierum is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher with the Suzuki Assosication of the Americas.
Fun Fact about Ms. Gierum: She is fluent in English, Spanish and proficient in Italian and French!
Mrs. Gierum cherishes her ability to pass on the legacies from her own teachers while also incorporating her classroom teaching experience and her passion for music so that her students can reach success.
Additionally, as a Suzuki parent of both a violin and two cello players, her understanding of musical children and their developmental process is extensive.
Formally trained in Music Education K-12 and violin pedagody, Mrs. Gierum has made the violin a part of her life since she was 8 years old, gaining four years of experience in the Gemini Youth Symphony under the direction and mentorship of Maestro Stephen Radcliffe and performing with GYO at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. Her additional orchestral and performance experience includes performing as a violinist with the Sound Symphony, Massapequa Philharmonic, and the High Rise String Trio. Never losing sight of her love for music and langauge or the learning process, she advanced her studies receiving a Bachelors degree in Music and Romance Languages. She moved on to obtain a Master of Education in K-12. Ms. Gierum is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher with the Suzuki Assosication of the Americas.
Fun Fact about Ms. Gierum: She is fluent in English, Spanish and proficient in Italian and French!