“Money was tight, but my mom still decided to poke around and see where there were private lessons available. Then we found out that Hochstein had a sliding scale, and it was because of that sliding scale that I came to Hochstein for lessons.”
Dr. Suzanne Hattala Wasilewski started clarinet lessons at Hochstein in 6th grade and now teaches music as an elementary orchestra teacher in the Greece Central School District. Her journey from being a student to becoming a teacher was influenced by the experiences she had at Hochstein: “I started taking lessons with Peggy Quackenbush in 7th grade. When I was a junior in high school, I took the bus from East Irondequoit to Hochstein to be a teaching assistant for a summer camp for kids with special needs, which got me interested in music therapy. I feel like Hochstein opened my world to amazing life opportunities.”
Suzanne had originally planned to pursue medicine like the rest of her family, but she realized that her true calling was music education. The people she met and the lessons she took at Hochstein influenced her decision.
“Peggy Quackenbush was a huge inspiration to me because she never let anyone stop her. She knew all of my shortcomings as a musician, but she always looked to my positives. I feel that I really took from that, and I’ve used it with my students. Every musician has to work on technique but I feel kids should love it. I don’t ever want to be the reason that a child doesn’t participate in music.”
“I’m a firm believer that you teach every child who comes to your door, and I think Hochstein projects that same feeling. I saw that everyone could have lessons, they would find a way to make it happen. In my profession I ask, ‘Do you need an instrument? You can’t afford to pay for it? Don’t worry. I got you.’ I think Hochstein instilled a set of values that I’ve carried through my teaching, education, and experiences.”
As Suzanne reflects on her time at Hochstein, she fondly remembers the life lessons she learned in addition to her musical studies. “There was something really magical. I really think that Hochstein opens up your world beyond your tiny little universe, to people outside of your circle. If you listen and you get to know people, then you’re going to have a way better life. I had so many moments in my life that were really incredible because of music, and because of Hochstein too. My advice for students at Hochstein now is don’t take anything for granted. Music can offer kids so many exceptional, amazing, wonderful opportunities and moments that they’ll keep with them forever.”