Background
My teaching career began in Greenville, SC 50 years ago when my high school teacher encouraged me to teach a few students in her home. After earning a Bachelor's & Master's in piano teaching (pedagogy) at USC
I began teaching in Charlotte. I am pleased that a number of my students majored in music and 15 are currently teaching piano themselves!
I have enjoyed accompanying recitals/school & church choirs and doing some two-piano concerts over the years in Columbia, Charlotte and now our new mountain home.
Published Books available on Amazon and/or Top Music Marketplace
Folk Tunes in All the Keys with Harmonization, Transposition & Improvisation
Teaching Articulation: Classical Collection for Piano
Quick Tips for Piano Teachers, A Practical Handbook for Teaching Musicianship and
Musical Independence
Instant Organization for Your Piano Studio, 45+ Reproducible Forms
Beginner Method - Folk Tunes 1-3
Keyboard Skills Plus!
Assignments Plus!
Education
Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy, USC
Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy, USC
Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies,
CIU
Professional
National Music Teachers Association (Retired)
North Carolina Music Teachers Association (Retired)
Preparing Music Majors
In the past 20 years, I have prepared 10 music majors, 6 of them for
piano
Former Students now music professionals
Piano teachers: 15
College music professor/high sch. music teacher: 2
Church music director: 2
Concert artist: 1
Church pianist: 3
Testimonials
Parent
My children have learned more in the 1.5 yrs. with Mrs. Ryan than the previous teachers' 6 years!
Student w/full scholarship to Duke
Mrs. Ryan holds her
students to a high standard of excellence. She has taught me lifelong skills and has given me a tremendous appreciation for all things musical. Mrs. Ryan is a wonderful teacher, understanding and engaging.
College
sacred piano major
I learned more from you than from any other teacher, including college!
Adult student
What we did with this piece was EXACTLY what I had hoped to do musically. What you are teaching
me is so much more refined and focused. I knew taking lessons from you was the right thing to do.
Adult student
I've only been taking for 2 months but it feels like a year I've learned so
much!
Adult student
One year ago I didn't know how to begin a new piece. Now I know how to practice so I learn at home as well as the lesson.