Abigail McHugh-Grifa began her Suzuki training at age 2, as her mother's reluctant violin student. A few years later, Abigail (longing for an instrument that could be played while sitting down) abandoned the violin in favor of the piano. At age 6, (driven by envy of a friend's new cello) Abigail finally settled on the instrument that continues to alternately delight and aggravate her to this day.
After attending Interlochen Arts Academy for her last two years of high school, Abigail went on to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in cello performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, where she had the good fortune to study with Richard Aaron. During this time, she completed several levels of Suzuki teacher training and began teaching for The Cleveland Institute of Music Preparatory Department.
Upon leaving Cleveland, Abigail spent a year living in Germany as the recipient of a Fulbright Award, followed by two years in Spain, where she taught both English and cello. Inspired by the myriad resources for ESL teachers available on the Internet, her idea for this website evolved during that time
Abigail spent one year studying with Elizabeth Simkin and teaching for Ithaca Talent Education, in Ithaca, NY, after which she moved to Rochester, NY to begin her doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music. She is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Music Education and a M.S. in Human Development, while teaching at the Kanack School of Music and the Hochstein School of Music and Dance. Her cello teachers at Eastman have included both Alan Harris and David Ying. During the summers she teaches at the Ithaca Suzuki Institute and attempts to relax.
