Overheard at Pongracz Violin Shop in Akron, Ohio:                                                      "Violin lessons? You want to see Joyce Elliott, that lady over there. She could teach a broomstick to play the violin."                                          Alex Zoltai

Letter of reference from the principal of Spring Garden Waldorf School:                          May 31, 1994                                                                                                            To Whom it May Concern:                                                                                         This is a letter of recommendation for services provided by Joyce Elliott. Ms. Elliott has taught violin and viola at Spring Garden Waldorf School since 1988. She has been an enthusiastic, creative instructor encouraging and fostering an appreciation of music in the children. Her relationships with the students has been excellent and they responded positively and warmly to her approach. She was able over the years to bring new musical arrangements and develop a structure to the music program.                            Joyce was a good teacher and will be remembered for her years of service to our school.                                                                                                                     Sincerely,                                                                                                                 J.A.Woodard                                                                                                             Co-ordinator

Cards recieved over the years:

                                                                                                           Joyce,                                                                                                                     Thanks for all you do: the orchestra, your words of encouragement - it's much appreciated!                              Val

It's nice having you as the girls' teacher for violin. They brag about how "nice" their teacher is. It really makes a difference in their enjoyment of learning music. Thank you and much blessings.                    K.B.

Thank you so much for being a great violin teacher to B-----. You're awesome!         

We can't thank you enough for the care you have taken with C-------'s lessons. You are a terrific teacher! Violin time has turned into happy time now. You are where you were meant to be!

Thank you for your patience and encouragement. You are truely a good person. I wish you all the blessings of life.                     Mrs.L.

Thanks for all the hard work you've put in with the students over the last years. The results have always been delightful. - We will truly miss you as the schools violin instructor.                                                  Mr. & Mrs. C.

Thank you, Ms. Elliott for your instruction and guidance over the years. Your care and devotion is most appreciated.       Your favorite student,     A-------

Thank you so much for for the violin lessons. The support and encouragement really helps. E---- loves coming to her lessons.                          Mrs. H.

Thank you so much for all the encouragement and inspiration you have provided for N--. You've helped instill in him a real love of music that we hope will last a lifetime.   Mrs.F.

Thank you so much for all the work you have done with W------- all year. We are very pleased with his discovery of and progress in the viola, which has happened because of you. Thank you also for finding a place for L--- in your music classes. Both children have benefited because of you. Muchas Gracias!          Mr. & Mrs. S.

Thank you for teaching me the intricate techniques of the violin for all that time. I learned a lot about the positions, bowing techniques, styles,dynamics, and much more. I really appreciate all of the time and effort that you put into helping me do my best in and out of solo and ensemble. In the future, I'm sure that you will continue to help students learn and experience the violin.                  Yours truly,         J.W.

The names have been left out of these notes to protect the minor childrens identities. There are many more but I think you get the idea. They can be seen in person at my home studio.