Lucinda Ali-Landing is a dedicated violin educator and founder of the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute. Her passion for teaching stems from her own musical upbringing. Lucinda was deeply influenced by her father who was her first violin instructor. “My father, a self-taught violinist from the south side of Chicago, instilled in me a love for the violin.” Lucinda remembers hearing her father practice in the middle of the night, even after completing his shift as a police officer.
When Lucinda was ready for private lessons with a professional violin teacher, she recalls traveling long distances to find quality instruction. “Even as a police officer working nights, he would drive me and my sister from the South Side of Chicago to Winnetka for private lessons.” His passion for music and commitment to providing her with the best instruction—even if it meant traveling long distances—inspired her: quality music education should be accessible to all students.
Lucinda Ali-Landing recognized the pressing need for quality music instruction within her community—one that didn’t require long commutes to access. In 1998, she founded the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute to bridge this gap, and she continues to provide high-quality music education to this day. With formal training at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music (currently known as Columbia College Chicago) and mentorship from esteemed educators like Stacia Spencer, she mastered her artistry as both a performer and teacher, ultimately founding a successful music school.
Lucinda’s path into music education was driven by a desire to provide opportunities that she and her family had to search far and wide to find. Lucinda knew that children in the community deserved access to high-quality music education without having to leave their neighborhoods. “I started the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute with a mission to provide high quality music instruction and performance opportunities right there on the south side of Chicago in Hyde Park,” she explained. Starting a music teaching career is an exciting and rewarding journey. As a music educator, you have the opportunity to shape young musicians, develop discipline, and bring the joy of music to your community. Drawing from her own experience in launching and running a successful music school, Lucinda Ali-Landing offers guidance for those looking to embark on a similar path.
Practicalities
One of the biggest challenges Lucinda faced in launching her school was learning the business side of running an institute. “When I started my music school, I was a violinist and a teacher, but I wasn’t a businesswoman at first,” she admitted. “I took courses, workshops, and classes; and I learned by failing and getting up and trying it again, because I just refuse to quit.”
Recruiting students initially involved community-based outreach. “In the beginning, I literally put up flyers everywhere,” Lucinda recalled. “But I found that the single most effective strategy was performing in schools. Once the children are sold, they get excited and tell their parents, and that’s how enrollment grew.”
Keeping students engaged and motivated requires more than great instruction—it involves parental involvement. “At my school, parents are deeply involved,” she said. “If a family just wants to drop off their child and leave, we’re not the right fit for them. When the parents are motivated, the students are motivated, this keeps them naturally coming back.”
Advice for Those Interested in Teaching
For those interested in teaching and building their curriculum, Lucinda emphasizes the importance of balancing discipline and creativity. “In the beginning, don’t be overly creative,” she advised. “Get a mentor and do what you’re advised, especially in the beginning; because the beginning stage is the most crucial stage. After you have some years under your belt , you can start incorporating more creativity.” Structure is key to setting students up for success. Lucinda stresses that receiving proper training is essential for becoming an effective teacher. She believes that formal education, mentorship, and hands-on teaching experience are key elements. “Just because you play well doesn’t mean you’re a teacher,” she notes. “It takes training to learn how to communicate concepts effectively.”
For musicians considering a transition into teaching and entrepreneurship, her advice is clear: “Commit fully. You may not have all the answers right away, but if you’re dedicated and persistent, you’ll make it happen.” She emphasizes that transitioning into teaching requires not only musical expertise but also the ability to connect with students. Lucinda encourages new educators to seek mentorship and invest in professional development.
A music teaching career goes beyond simply instructing students on musical techniques —it’s about empowering students, building a musical community, and making a lasting impact. With careful planning and a strong commitment to your mission, you can create an environment where musicians thrive and where the love of music is passed onto future generations.
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Lucinda Ali-Landing headshot