Rob Hryciw – Teacher Page

Rob has been a Suzuki violin teacher since 1977. He joined the Society for Talent Education (STE), Edmonton’s Suzuki string program and was the first candidate to be accepted into its 3 year training program. He studied with Yoko Oike Wong and Yasuko Tanaka Eastman who were the first Suzuki teachers brought to Canada by Thomas Rolston from Japan when STE was formed in 1965. In addition, he has participated and audited in several units of teacher training through the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and has been an Observer at numerous SAA Institutes. Rob holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the U of A.

During his many years of teaching at STE, Rob was also Program Co-ordinator for 10 years and held the position of Co-Music Director for 2 years. Some of his memorable experiences with STE include 3 different occasions to observe Shinichi Suzuki. In 1977 Suzuki came to Edmonton for a workshop and in 1983, STE teachers and students attended an International Suzuki Conference in Matsumoto, Japan. Two years later, Edmonton hosted the same conference with Dr. Suzuki in attendance. Rob remained on the faculty of STE until 2021 when he became a founding member of Edmonton Suzuki Strings.

Besides his experience coaching chamber music for STE, Rob also held that position on the faculty of the Suzuki Charter School for 14 years. As an orchestral musician, he has played in the Canadian Chamber Orchestra (Banff), the Alberta Baroque Ensemble and the Edmonton Chamber Orchestra. Rob recently retired after 45 years in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Rob’s wife, Theresa, is a pianist, teacher and accompanist. Their 3 children – Aaron, Anna and Lisa – were all taught violin by their Dad. And now 5 of their 6 grandchildren are also Suzuki students.

Rob lives and teaches in the Skyrattler district of southwest Edmonton.