TARTU SCHOOL
Who are the staff?
Mari Tooming – handbells, solfeggio, handbell course for adults
Mari has been working at the Tartu Arsis Handbell School since its founding, first as a piano teacher and later a solfeggio and handbell teacher. Her interest in music started in kindergarten and she continued developing it in different schools.
In addition to playing the piano and singing in a choir, she is also fascinated by the king of all instruments – the organ. Children find Mari to be a gleeful, sometimes strict, but mostly a kind and fun teacher. She has taught in many different schools and choirs, that have grown her persistency in making her dreams a reality. Mari loves classical and contemporary music performed by professional musicians. Since 2007, she is the conductor of the Tartu youth concert ensembles.
Made Kudu – Piano
Made has been in contact with music since she started her studies at the Tartu children’s music school when she was 5. Studies at the Heino Eller Tartu Music College and at the Estonian Academy of Music followed. Made has taught music at the Otepää Music School, Pühajärve Basic School and at the Tartu Audentes Private School. She came in Arsis through substitute lessons – the piano teacher fell ill, Made came to help and stayed. Students find Made to be a fun teacher, who knows how to joke, but still will find each little mistake. From 2009 until 2019 Made worked also as a Managing Director of the Tartu School.
Maribeth Ader – handbells, solfeggio
Maribeth’s passion for music began in childhood, influenced by her mom’s songs and grandma’s tunes. She started learning piano at the Tallinn Music Secondary School, later adding choral conducting. This was followed by obtaining a teaching qualification at the G. Ots Music School in Tallinn. Maribeth has been deeply involved with handbells. Having completed the primary and advanced training programs at the Tallinn Arsis Handbell School, she was a member of Arsis youth concert groups for years. Additionally, she had the opportunity to conduct a handbell ensemble for her conducting exam.
Maribeth’s musical taste spans from classical to rock and folk music to jazz, but her dearest genres are handbell, piano, and choral music. Her interest in pedagogy and child development led Maribeth to pursue studies in special education at the University of Tartu, complementing her skills and knowledge for the role of a music teacher.
Maribeth joined the Tartu Arsis Handbell School staff in 2023. As a teacher, her mission is to motivate children and create a safe environment where the wonders of the musical world and students’ creativity are discovered together!
