When we first started with her, I explained my daughter’s issues with social anxiety, and, at our first lesson, Susy sat down with both of us and discussed how she can help her to be comfortable. She really cared about my daughter’s mental health and that she knew how to not make it difficult for her. Right away I knew she was the right teacher for my daughter. I am so thankful we have had the opportunity to work with her and for the support she gives my daughter. I cannot recommend her highly enough for anyone looking to improve their vocal performance!

Diana Renk-Ernst

Parent

Our family has gotten so much out of Susy’s lessons. She has been wonderful with our two girls, flexible in dealing with their very different personalities, as well as in working with me, their middle aged father. Susy has an ideal blend of virtuosity, attention to detail, joy for music, and empathy in dealing with her students. I feel that we have all grown musically with her.

Daniel Krashen

Student and parent of students

My daughter has been a student with Susana for approximately 3 years now. My daughter not only loves coming to class to practice her craft but also she has made a strong connection with her teacher. She is not only a great mentor for my daughter but has become a friend. In Susana you will find dedication, patience with her students, and flexibility with parents. I highly recommend Susana; you won’t be disappointed.

Jeanette Gonzalez

Parent

I have had the privilege of taking a few of her students when she moved to New Jersey and saw first hand the quality of teaching that Ms. Leiva gave to her students. Her dedication in teaching, thorough knowledge of music theory and her implementation of that knowledge to her students is highly commendable. As president of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) Riverside Branch, I strongly recommend Ms. Leiva as an outstanding teacher.

Linette Rodriguez

President of the Music Teachers’ Association of California

As a long time university professor, and as the chair of the Music Department when Ms. Leiva came to La Sierra University, I was impressed with her passion and natural instincts for both performance and teaching. I have known very few young professionals who possessed so many mature traits of a successful music teacher. I strongly recommend Ms. Leiva as a top-notch teacher that can bring a well-rounded education to her students.

Dr. Elvin Rodriguez

Department of Music Chair

I have been able to observe many lessons, and I am so impressed with the technicality of what Susy teaches her along with singing. She is hands-on, showing her how to hold her jaw, explaining how to hold her tongue to make certain sounds, how to stand, what her posture should be. I was surprised at how these things improved my daughter’s singing instantly. She expects a lot from her students and is a serious teacher, but they also have a lot of fun, and my daughter loves her lessons!

Parent

Susana has proven herself to be a consummate musician and teacher. She sings and plays beautifully with flawless technique and stunning artistry. Every one of her piano and voice students—including my own daughter—love her personally, enjoy their lessons with her, and flourish musically as a result of her work with them. I highly recommend her as a piano or voice teacher to anyone of any age.

Sharon Byrne

Professional mezzo-soprano and music teacher