Susie Bean
Concertmaster
Susie Bean was born in Salt Lake City and began studying violin at the age of eight. From her earliest lessons, she was captivated by the power of music, recalling how movie scores and even Saturday morning cartoon soundtracks filled her with wonder. She knew from a young age that she wanted to help create that same magic herself and share it with others. For Susie, music is not only a personal passion but also a vital collaboration between performers and audiences, one that brings joy, beauty, and connection.
During her formative years, Susie trained under Anne Beus and June Crosby while serving as Concertmaster of her junior high and high school orchestras. She also participated in the Granite Junior Youth Symphony and Granite Youth Symphony, where she first began to hone her leadership skills as a violinist. These early experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to her instrument.
Susie has continued her artistic growth through advanced studies and mentorships with renowned musicians. She has performed in chamber groups as part of the Mountain Springs Music Festival where she was coached by Dr. Carmen Hall and Dr. Vedrana Subotic. She has also participated in multiple masterclasses with respected artists, including Sarah Kent, Emily Ricks, and Igor and Vesna Gruppman. She continues to refine her technique and artistry through ongoing study with Dr. Jeremy Starr, former Director of Orchestras and Head of String Studies at Emporia State University.
As a performer, Susie has built a diverse and accomplished portfolio. She has served as Concertmaster for numerous theatrical productions, including Annie, The Pajama Game, Li’l Abner, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Cinderella, and Once Upon a Mattress. She has also performed with large groups such as the Sounds of the Season Choir & Orchestra and participated in an online international production of The First Noel with The Gruppman International Music Institute, featured as part of the Christmas Concert at Temple Square.
In addition to her performance career, Susie has a deep passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians. She served for three years as the upper strings specialist with both the Lake Bonneville Symphonic Society and the Northern Utah Youth Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, where she mentored junior high and high school students help them develop technique, gain confidence, and begin to experience the nuance and joy of playing together as an orchestra.
Beyond the concert hall and stage, Susie also brings her artistry to more intimate settings. She has been a featured performer at weddings, private gatherings, and community events, bringing the warmth and expressiveness of the violin to audiences of all sizes.
Today, as Concertmaster of the West Valley Symphony of Utah, Susie blends her technical skill, performance experience, and deep love of music to lead the orchestra’s large sound with sensitivity and strength. Her dedication to excellence and her ability to inspire those around her make her an essential part of the West Valley Symphony’s artistic voice.
