Susan Burley
Music and kids are her passion! You have to be passionate about what you teach and how you teach. You must be able to teach by example. What you expect from your students is no less than you should expect from yourself. Nothing gives her more pleasure than to watch a musician grow into a beautiful and successful person.
Susan grew up on a peach farm out in the country. Her father was a trumpet and baritone player, her mom played some piano by ear, and her three siblings played instruments as well. Susan’s school year consisted of playing in the school programs, attending music events, and playing duets and trios at the house with her dad. They only went into town for a music event. Susan and her family also played in the community summer band every year. Music was their whole life and her two sisters along with her brother ended up in music education.
Rewards of teaching come every day. Teaching is all about the student! They come first! Developing their confidence, self-discipline, professionalism, enjoyment in what they do, motivation, and their PASSION makes her job the best. SUSAN LOVES WHAT SHE DOES AND IS SO BLESSED EVERY DAY TO TEACH, TO COUNSEL, AND TO SHARE HER PASSION FOR MUSIC!
Susan Burley retired after 40 years of teaching Instrumental Music and Drama at Cherry Avenue Middle School in Tulare. While there she created the Mid Valley Jazz Festival which today hosts 40 jazz bands in a two day festival. This festival is non-competitive and offers an on-stage performance, feedback, improvisation clinic, and sight reading clinic.
She is presently the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for Tulare City Schools where she oversees the K-8 Music Team.
Susan began her musical career in Kingsburg, where she was inspired by her high school band director, Mr. Larry Johnson. It was at Kingsburg High where she made the decision for her career path to become a music educator. She continued her education at CSU Fresno, where she flourished under the tutelage of her mentors, Dr. Russell Howland and Dr. Lawrence Sutherland. One of her most influential mentors in jazz was her brother, Mr. Paul A. Shaghoian.
Throughout her career, Susan has performed in countless musical theater productions with the Good Company Players in Fresno, as well as being the principal clarinetist in the Tulare County Symphony. She has also been involved in the Encore Theatre Company in Tulare since it was created 45 years ago as a founding board member, President, Encore Kids and Stages director (youth organizations), cast member, production crew and director for countless musical and non-musical productions. She is president and concert band director for La Sierra Creative Arts camp.