Others Instructors Associated with the Blazing Bows

The Blazing Bows are associated with the Austin Suzuki Academy and the Bill Branch guitar school.

(photo courtesy of Austin Suzuki Academy)

Kay Mueller

Kay Mueller is a Suzuki violin instructor in Northwest Austin. Kay began studying violin in 4th grade at her grade school in Kirkwood, Missouri. She was first introduced to the Suzuki method when she attended Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. There she received a Master’s Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis on Suzuki pedagogy, studying with American Suzuki pioneer John Kendall. Kay has since taught at summer Suzuki institutes in Steven’s Point, WI; Greenville, NC; Georgetown, TX; and San Marcos, TX.

You can email Kay (cathrynmueller@mac.com) for more information about fiddle classes.

(photo courtesy of Austin Suzuki Academy)

Bill Branch

Bill Branch is an experienced and accomplished guitarist who has found great reward in sharing his skill and knowledge with others. Several of his students have gone on to further their musical education in college or form their own bands. The young songwriting band, Off-Center, has benefitted from Bill's guidance. Bill's guitar school students often take the opportunity to contribute to Blazing Bows shows, either on the front line or in the background.

You can email Bill regarding his guitar school at wbranch (at) austin.rr.com.

(photo by Jim Dirden)

Cara Cooke

Cara Cooke is a multi-instrumentalist known for her "fiddle-style" harmonica playing. Often found playing bluegrass, especially with the Manchaca AllStars, her bass violin (bass fiddle) adds a deeper dimension to the overall sound of the group, especially behind the fiddle tunes that distinguish this Suzuki program from all of the others. Her harmonica students have been invited to join the Blazing Bows for several shows and have made their own contributions overall. When requested, she has also worked with students on the upright bass, mandolin, guitar, and in singing harmony.

Cara can be reached at cyberharp (at) lycos.com.

All of the instructors and accompanists are excited to help these students learn and grow and become more than they might have been had they not participated in the program.

Mary Hattersley's Blazing Bows