Susan Riggs is a pianist and teacher of piano, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Body Mapping for Musicians. In addition to private teaching, she conducts master classes, teaches theory for the Portland Youth Philharmonic Program, and assists in the Coordinate Movement Program at Portland State University.
Susan Received her B.A. in Religion from Oberlin College, (1977), and her M. Ed. in Creative Arts in Learning, from Lesley University, (1985). She was awarded her Dalcroze Certification at the Longy School of Music in 1984. Susan completed her Andover Educator Certification in 2005.
Having been injured, Susan began a journey, in 1996, to reclaim her ability to play the piano. She soon learned that “piano playing movements” applies to the whole body. Initial study of the Taubman technique expanded to include the study of Body Mapping. Lisa Marsh and Barbara Conable have been Susan’s primary teachers in this journey. Susan has not only reclaimed her ability to play the piano, but also discovered a way of being, moving and teaching, with inclusive awareness and ease. Refining her body map has changed Susan’s life. She is eager to guide other musicians, as well as non-musicians, in their own transformation.
Susan lives in Portland, Oregon, and welcomes body mapping clients individually or in small groups. She is also available to teach the course, “What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body.”
Deeply Moved
"I was deeply moved by Susan's manner in teaching, the very affirming relationship with everyone present. It's quite remarkable and I hope you all get to experience it.
It was very interesting to see her use the musicians' issues to clarify ordinary activities."
- Teacher, Barbara Conable.
Saved My Spirit
"You will never know how much these (piano) lessons have saved my spirit this past year. You always help me to see that this is a process to be enjoyed and savored and relished for what it is. You have helped me appreciate the music for it's own sake and my playing for it's own sake. And you have helped me play in a way that I can enjoy my own playing. This is a first for me! A great teacher is never, ever forgotten."
Susan Riggs is a pianist and teacher of piano, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Body Mapping for Musicians. In addition to private teaching, she conducts master classes, teaches theory for the Portland Youth Philharmonic Program, and assists in the Coordinate Movement Program at Portland State University.
