Carole Bigler and Valery Lloyd-Watts

Carole and Valery have been friends and collaborators since 1974. Their lengthy list of joint accomplishments gives strong testimony to the powerful synergy of their individual talents, education and experience, and to their ability to clarify and simplify the learning and teaching of music. Valery’s extensive training and career as a professional concert pianist and recording artist coupled with Carole’s experience and expertise as a teacher and internationally recognized lecturer form the ideal blend of complimentary skills to serve their collaborative efforts. Their greatest satisfaction has been from More Than Music’s Summer Music Festival~Suzuki Kingston, where, as founding directors, they have realized their dream of creating a place where people can come together to learn and experience music in a non-judgmental environment that is built on mutual respect and acceptance.

Both are university graduates and have had thorough training in traditional/conservatory systems. They are also Teacher Trainers of the Suzuki Method and in 1979 co-authored the groundbreaking book Studying Suzuki Piano: More Than Music, often referred to as the “Bible” for Suzuki piano teachers. Through their work, both within the Suzuki Method and with their numerous Alfred publications (including the widely acclaimed text, Ornamentation), they have influenced the course of piano teaching worldwide. They are especially proud of their enthusiastically received pedagogy course, Bigler Lloyd-Watts Mastering the Piano: Hands-On!. It is the first system that combines learning procedures with emotional corollaries: how people feel affects how they learn. Their approach is based on a non-judgmental, non-competitive philosophy.

Carole and Valery are retiring as Directors in August 2008 and are pleased to be passing the reins to capable new Directors whom we know will keep the spirit and positive energy of this camp for years to come.