Meet Karen Huffman – Founder & Suzuki Educator

Inspiring children in Portland, Oregon to grow in music, confidence, and kindness for over 15 years.

Our Story

Sunset Suzuki Academy was founded by Karen Huffman, a dedicated piano educator who has been playing piano for over 30 years and teaching students for more than 15 years. Karen’s journey with the Suzuki Method began at age 6, and it shaped her philosophy of nurturing musical ability alongside character and confidence.

Karen earned her Master’s in Music Education, specializing in Piano Pedagogy, from Southern Methodist University. She studied extensively with renowned Suzuki instructors, including Cathy Hargrave, Rae Kate Shen, and Gail Lange, and trained directly at Dr. Suzuki Talent Education school in Matsumoto, Japan.

From 2008 to 2014, Karen taught privately in Dallas, Texas, where her students excelled in competitions, theory tests, and festivals. In January 2015, she opened Portland Suzuki Piano Studio, which later became Sunset Suzuki Academy. In 2022, the academy expanded to include Suzuki Early Childhood Classes for children ages 0–3, engaging both children and their parents in a joyful music learning environment.

Karen currently serves as President of the Oregon Suzuki Association and remains an active member of the Oregon Music Teachers Association. Her dedication to students extends beyond technique; she focuses on fostering empathy, discipline, and confidence, ensuring every child thrives musically and personally.

Through Sunset Suzuki Academy, Karen has helped hundreds of students in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin develop not only musical skills but also a lifelong love of learning. As she often says, "Beautiful Tone, Beautiful Heart."

Credentials & Achievements

Master's in Music Education – Piano Pedagogy, SMU
Focused on nurturing young musicians with structured learning.

30+ Years of Piano Experience & 15+ Years Teaching
Extensive practical experience guiding students of all ages.

Trained with Renowned Suzuki Educators in U.S., Canada & Japan
Immersed in global best practices for early childhood music education.

President, Oregon Suzuki Association
Leadership role in promoting quality Suzuki education in Oregon.

Active Member, Oregon Music Teachers Association
Engaged in professional development and networking with fellow educators.

Why Families Choose Sunset Suzuki Academy for Suzuki Piano Lessons

Individual attention in our Suzuki piano lessons in Portland, nurturing each child’s musical growth and confidence.

Family-centered approach with parent involvement in early childhood music education to support every student at home.

Building musical skills, confidence, and character simultaneously through Suzuki method piano instruction for children of all ages.

Creating a community of kindness, empathy, and lifelong love of music with children’s music learning programs in Portland.

Our Teaching Philosophy

🎵 Every Child Can Learn

🎵 Ability Develops Early

🎵 Environment Nurtures Growth

🎵 Children Learn From One Another

🎵 Success Breeds Success

🎵 Parental Involvement is Essential

🎵 Encouragement Inspires Excellence

Visit Our Academy

We would love to welcome you and your child! Our Portland location is easily accessible and ready to show you the joy of Suzuki music education.

Discover Our Musical Community

Learn more about our philosophy, teachers, and programs. Connect with us to see how your child can thrive through music.

Schedule Your Visit Today