Meet Our Teachers

Catherine Lang is a Suzuki Violin Teacher living in Hyde Park, NY. She was introduced to the Suzuki method at a young age, discovering early on a deep passion for music while growing up in New York state. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Music from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT. Catherine Lang is a Founding Member of the Mid-Hudson Suzuki Music Collaborative.

For the past ten years, Catherine has taught middle school orchestra in the Hudson Valley, where she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young musicians. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that all students possess innate musical ability. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages lifelong curiosity, musical growth, and a deep appreciation for the arts.

Catherine has studied with distinguished violinists including Elizabeth Chang and Anton Polezhayev. Her Suzuki training was completed at the Hartt School of Music. As a performer, Catherine has appeared with numerous ensembles, including the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, University of Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, and the Opus One Chamber Orchestra, in addition to many smaller chamber ensembles.

Allison McCann is a violinist, educator, and the President/Co-Founder of the Mid-Hudson Suzuki Music Collaborative. A Suzuki student from an early age, Ms. McCann earned Master’s degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance & Suzuki Pedagogy from the Hartt School of Music, following a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. Allison McCann is a Founding Member of the Mid-Hudson Suzuki Music Collaborative.

After teaching at the Hartt School Community Division and earning tenure in Westchester County, NY, Ms. McCann sought an adventure and taught at the KinderU Suzuki Music Academy in Hong Kong. There, she performed with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and appeared in various venues. Upon returning to New York, Ms. McCann now teaches Elementary Orchestra in Dutchess County while maintaining a private Suzuki studio.

When not teaching, Ms. McCann enjoys performing with local ensembles like the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra. Outside of music, you can usually find Ms. McCann outdoors with her dog, Yogi—who often joins her lessons! He’s a registered therapy dog and a wonderful companion to students who need a little extra comfort. He’s also, without question, the goodest boy.

Amelia Seyssel is a Suzuki Voice Teacher Trainer and Suzuki Voice & Piano Teacher living in Poughkeepsie, NY. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance and Literature from Mills College, CA, a Diploma from the European Suzuki Association, and a Certificate from the Talent Education Institute of Singing in Vantaa, Finland, directed by Suzuki Voice Founder Dr. Päivi Kukkamäki. She is co-author of SAA’s Voice Teacher Training Syllabus and has extensive international Suzuki experience including Finland, Australia, Japan, Mexico and the USA. Her international teaching experience includes Faculty positions at two international conferences focusing on the growth and development of both students and teachers, as well as assistant faculty participation at several international conferences, including the 16th Suzuki Method World Conference in Matsumoto, Japan (2013). Amelia Seyssel is a Founding Member of the Mid-Hudson Suzuki Music Collaborative.

Her post-graduate studies have included vocal workshops with Nico Castel, Dalton Baldwin, and Jane Manning, with additional workshops focused on Early Music, Alexander Technique and Dalcroze eurythmics, as well as many years of private voice study with Joyce McClean at Juilliard’s Evening Division. Her performance background includes publication of an all-Spanish-language CD as well as years of solo recitals specializing in Art Song repertoire of the English, Spanish and French language composers.