MTNA/CSMTA and Local Associations I have been a member of MTNA/CSMTA since 2007, a member of Columbine MTA since 2007, a member of Foothills MTA since 2019, and a member of DAMTA since 2019. In my 14 years as a member of CMTA, I have served as Vice President, Fall Recital Chair, Achievement Day Chair, Librarian, and am currently serving as President. My students have participated in the CMTA Celebration Series, Fall Recital, Holiday on the Keys, Boys Recital, Achievement Day, and Adult Recital, and FMTA Holiday Benefit Recital and Winter Fest and I have enjoyed attending a few of the DAMTA Fall courses. I have not served at the state level (yet), but have enjoyed being a part of PRP book discussions and attending the state conferences. Two of my students are participating in the CSMTA Rising Stars Festival in 2021 and one of my students was the recipient of a DAMTA scholarship in 2020. I cannot imagine maintaining a successful music studio without the support of these associations and their programs and events.
Professional I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Voice Performance from Boston University and a Master's Degree in Voice Performance from New England Conservatory. I also had the privilege of attending the Tanglewood Institute the summer following my graduation from NEC.
My professional career was focused on performance. Teaching was a possibility, but likely in the distant future. However, sometimes life has a way of nudging us in a different direction. While working as an apprentice artist for Utah Symphony and Opera, I presented numerous education outreach performances with my team. I enjoyed connecting with the young students, many of whom had never heard an opera singer's voice before, as well as the older students who were considering careers in music and seeking guidance. Following this apprenticeship, I moved to Connecticut and continued working on my singing skills with coaches and teachers in New York City and also began my first official teaching positions at the Darien Arts Center (CT) and The Rye Arts Center (NY). I was hired as a vocal instructor, but was soon asked to teach some beginning piano students.
When my husband and I moved to Littleton, CO in December 2006, I decided to focus mainly on my teaching career, obtaining positions as a private instructor at Music & Arts (2007-2017) and a group instructor at Children's Music Academy (2007-2010), as well as establishing a teaching studio in my home, which remains strong today. I saw an ad in the local paper for the Columbine Music Teachers Association and attended one of their meetings, joining soon after. From day one, the group was very welcoming, and I continue to appreciate the support, mentorship, continuing education and friendship provided through this network. I joined the National Guild of Piano Teachers in 2015 and felt that I had come full circle with my piano teaching since I participated in Guild auditions as a young piano student from the age of 6-16.
Also in 2015, I established "Ken Caryl Concerts" with a group of musician friends from my church, St. Philip Lutheran. It was an opportunity to give back to the community, dip my feet back into performing, and try my hand as an artistic director. It is still thriving in 2021 and has provided many exciting collaborations with talented musicians in the Denver area, including my debut with the Littleton Symphony in February, 2020.
Volunteering I believe that volunteering is an imperative part of life. As a parent, teacher, and community member, I am very conscious of my duty to lead by positive example. Sharing my time and talents with others through volunteer opportunities is a great way to do this. In my personal life, I have served on various committees at my church and children's schools. It has led to many wonderful friendships and a great sense of community pride.
In my professional life, I have volunteered for many different events and projects. The most meaningful volunteer experience to date with CSMTA/CMTA has been Achievement Day Chair. I co-chaired the event for the first few years, beginning in 2012 and appreciated the opportunity to collaborate and learn from teachers who were much more seasoned than I, giving me the confidence to chair on my own, and eventually re-structure the responsibilities of leading this important event by committee, rather than one chair.
Personal I am an only child and grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania. My mother is a pianist and organist and sings in the church choir. My father has a nice singing voice, but prefers to listen to music rather than perform it. Both of my parents love musicals and, growing up within a 2 hour drive of New York City, we made frequent trips to see all the latest and greatest shows on Broadway. My parents nurtured my talent by providing me with piano lessons, voice lessons and various opportunities at music camps and festivals. They encouraged me to pursue a music degree in college. My husband and I are both from Pennsylvania, but met at Boston University. Always an opportunist, he saw my photo in a local PA newspaper when I sang the National Anthem for a NASCAR race the summer before college. He noticed that we'd both be attending the same university so decided to keep the newspaper clipping in case he ran into me there. We dated for 6 years and have been married for almost 17. We have 3 children, Camryn (age 11), Colby (age 9), and Cody (age 7). I knew early in our marriage that if we were blessed with children, I would prioritize their care over my career. With the support of my husband and my parents (who moved to Colorado when my first child was a baby), I have been able to focus on both. My children are all musical. As a family we also enjoy spending time outdoors - hiking, biking, skiing and playing with our dogs, Molly and Maggie.