Susan Jay . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yoga Blend Level 1-2

Susan’s accomplishments as an accomplished classical pianist and then teacher formed a foundation for the path she has taken with her yoga. Susan’s academic background is in classical piano which she studied for many years. Her exceptional talent gained the attention of the famed Guerrero family who was renowned pianist Glenn Gould’s only teacher and became Susan’s teachers and mentors. Susan competed and won many awards while studying with Mrs. Guerrero at the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto and throughout her studies with Mrs. Guerrero at McMaster University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors Degree in Music History and Theory. Susan then earned a Masters Degree in Piano Performance from University of Michigan.

This intensity and love of classical structure found their way into Susan’s yoga practice. Although she enjoys various styles of yoga, ashtanga yoga is the foundation of Susan’s yoga discipline. She feels that, “Studying the ashtanga series is like studying a classical piece of music; you continually discover more and gain a deeper understanding as the series unfolds like a perfectly constructed sonata.”

In conjunction with her physical practice, Susan considers it fortuitous to have met her Vedic mentor and teacher, Hart deFouw over 20 years ago. Hart’s illuminating brilliance as a teacher and jyotish is well known, and Susan cherishes the time she spent with him as he instructed her in jyotish (vedic astrology), hasta samudrika (palmistry), meditation, and other practices. Hart was instrumental in opening her up to a spiritual tradition that has not only enriched her life, but has been transformative physically, mentally and spiritually.

Susan taught piano for many years, and her greatest joy was sharing her technique and watching her students grow. Susan completed her Yoga Works 200 Hour Teacher Training with Annie Carpenter and Birgitte Kristen in order to again share her passion for what she loves through teaching. The yoga blend class that Susan offers incorporates the balance and awareness that she has come to appreciate. Her training as well as her love for yoga allow her students to have fun while they are challenged and inspired.

Susan acknowledges and thanks the ashtanga teachers that she has had the opportunity to study with which include Jorgen Christiansson, Sonya Cottle, Jodi Blumstein as well as intensive workshops with many other renowned ashtanga instructors such as Maty Ezraty and Chuck Miller.

Susan feels blessed to have been fortunate enough to have been taught and influenced by so many notable teachers in a multitude of disciplines, and is grateful for the knowledge that they have so graciously shared.