Category Archives: Uncategorized

It takes a lot of dedication and grit to study piano all the way to your high school graduation. With so many interests, academics, and extracurricular activities competing for a student’s time, it can be difficult to maintain regular practice and progress. Eli has had a very full schedule, including being his high school band’sContinue reading “Eli delights a big crowd at his Senior Piano Recital”

In spite of a busy semester, Jenna Winn decided to compete in the CO Peaks Piano Competition held at the Colorado Christian University campus on February 28th. She gave a wonderful performance in front of three judges, with all the intense vibes of a college final exam piano jury! I am so proud of herContinue reading “Jenna competes in the CO Peaks Piano Competition”

We had a fun group lesson in February, studying W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues!” Born in Alabama to parents who were former slaves, Handy learned many instruments and toured with minstrel shows at a young age. He is credited with popularizing the blues genre by transcribing and publishing it, bringing it to nationalContinue reading “A Jazzy Black History Group Lesson”

I LOVE recitals! As a teacher, recitals give me the opportunity to sit back and see with better clarity the wonderful progress each student is making. And the success has little to do with missed notes here and there, or a memory slip. Musical concepts we’ve worked on and discussed in private and group lessonsContinue reading “Recital Success!”

As we began to emerge from the pandemic to the “endemic”, it was a joy to see various activities, that had been put on hold, alive and well again! Kudos to Aurora Music Teachers Association “Achievement Day” participants: Jenna and Bo Winn, and Austin Eichelberger! They performed for a judge and took music theory tests,Continue reading “Winter / Spring Shenanigans!”

What’s been happening since this pandemic started? Well, a lot! Thankfully, the music never stopped. We had Zoom recitals, YouTube recitals, the first and second annual international “Play Music on the Porch” events, a virtual multi-arts Prokofiev event, lots of Facetime / Zoom lessons, the Rising Stars Solo Competition, and plenty of “Rainbow candy” toContinue reading “No Stopping the Music!”

I am so proud of AMMON RUSSELL, BECKY BARTON, and TAYLOR MCNEIL for their participation in this Aurora Music Teachers production of Prince Ivan and the Frog Princess, set to Prokofiev’s Music for Children, Op. 65. This huge project is courtesy of many teachers and students, and we are especially grateful for the hard workContinue reading “Prince Ivan and the Frog Princess NOW ON YOUTUBE!”

A big thank you for all who participated in our piece of the worldwide event, “Play Music on the Porch Day 2020.” We enjoyed Beethoven, Sibelius, Alicia Keys, Scott Joplin, and “Popular” from the musical, “Wicked,” just to name a few. And donuts, of course! This great idea originated in 2013 when founder Brian MallmanContinue reading “Play Music on the Porch We Did!”

It’s that time of year when the scheduling puzzle begins – piano lessons, sports, dance, church youth nights, and now ever-changing school situations! As new empty nesters, after six children and 32 years of coordinating those new fall schedules, my husband and I are feeling for you parents. Emotions can run high with all ofContinue reading “Puzzle Talk and Patience”