Dafna Low-Smith began her Suzuki violin training with Elizabeth Mills, one of the original organizers of the Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles. At age 12, she traveled to Japan and studied under Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.  During her college years, she studied under Dr. Ted Brunson, head of the Music Department at San Diego State University.  

Mrs. Low-Smith is an experienced teacher in both private and group settings.  She is currently head of the string department a the prestigious Campbell Hall School in North Hollywood.  She also organized and has taught with "Sweet Strings," a program designed for disadvantaged students.
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Mrs. Low-Smith's students have performed at the Governor's Inauguration and at the Hollywood Bowl.  She currently teaches in Sherman Oaks and the South Bay area.  You may contact her at (310) 644-6758 and at thelowfiddler@aol.com
Anita Swearengin has been an amazing accompanist for SMPLA for over 30 years. Additionally, she accompanies students of all levels for graduation, Senior Recitals, and other important events. She teaches piano privately in her home in Van Nuys as well. She may be contacted at (818) 988-3050.
Rachael Swearingin Longeran is a talented Suzuki Cello teacher and has been teaching since 1989.  She was a coach for the Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles for twelve years. Since 2003, Rachael has taught chamber music classes at The National Cello Institute. In 2006, Rachael started the San Fernando Valley Cello Ensemble (SFVCE), which consists of students from her studio. Since 1996 she has been the director of Suzuki Cello Graduation for the Suzuki Music Association of California Los Angeles branch.
 As a performer, Rachael was principal cellist of the West Valley Chamber Orchestra for eight years.
 Her students participate in chamber music programs at Colburn and other local youth orchestras. Numerous students have won concerto competitions and have  performed solos with various orchestras. 
She may be contacted at cellopwr@aol.com and (818) 782-2988, Van Nuys, CA  91406
Ms. Mariko Iwasaki is a Suzuki piano teacher. Her goal at the music studio is to show children the pleasure in playing piano and hope what they learn from her lessons will be an asset throughout their lives.  She received a music degree from the Tokyo College of Music, and studied under F. Seiler for 10 years after graduation.  Ms. Iwasaki is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the Music Teachers’ Association of California. She may be contacted at umariko@sbcglobal.net.
Anna Kocis began flute lessons at the age of 9 because she loved the instrument, and playing it helped her with her asthma. At age fourteen, she won the Young Artists Award in Redlands, California and went on to get her Bachelor's of Music in Flute Performance at Cal State University Northridge, where she studied with David Shostac and Art Hoberman. Upon graduation, Anna studied at Tanglewood with Doriot Dwyer and took classes with Trevor Wye and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

​After performing in the CSUN Symphony, Valley Symphony and the Long Beach Symphony and freelancing throughout Los Angeles, Anna began teaching flute lessons. She currently maintains a studio where she teaches both young and older students in the Suzuki Method.  Anna hosts a monthly flute workshop for her students as well as a flute choir who performs regularly at Emeritus Retirement Home.  She may be contacted at suzukifluteanna000@gmail.com. ​​