Established and experienced piano teacher and pianist. All levels, from beginner to advanced, and all ages, from Kindergarten to adult. Lessons are taught in a private studio in the Upper Arlington/NW Columbus, OH area. Day and evening 30 or 60 minute lesson times are available Monday through Thursday.
May 10, 2009
My brother Jeff began piano lessons when he was 8 and I was 4. He would practice, and when he finished, I would rush to the piano and play everything he did - by ear. It infuriated him! I started my own piano lessons a year or so later.
I am a graduate of Marietta College (Marietta, OH) where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (K-12) with Piano as my Performing Instrument.
My career as a professional pianist spans over 30 years. My first passion is teaching, and this website illustrates my devotion to and success in this profession. It also illustrates my ability to nurture students of all talent levels and ages. My second passion is accompanying.
Professional Affiliations
The Central East District of the Ohio Music Teachers Association a 501(c)(3) affiliate of Music Teachers National Association
This is the group that sponsors (among other things) District Festival, Scale Olympics and Pianorama. Not only do we offer amazing student activities and competitions, we also perpetuate professional standards in music education and development for our teachers through continuing education workshops, conferences and conventions; through networking opportunities; and by providing up-do-date information on teaching materials.
I joined in 1991 and have been a Board Member since 1995. I was President from 2000-2004. As the President, I was instrumental in the 501(c)(3) incorporation process in the State of Ohio; oversaw the complete revision of our Constitution & Bylaws; and oversaw and implemented a complete office restructuring. I have also been the Vice President of Student Activities, District Festival Chairman, Scale Olympics Chairman, and Co-chairman of Children Playing for Children at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing. I have served on the Pianorama music selection committee and have been a Pianorama conductor. I have compiled and published our District Directory and Activities Guide, and programs for several events including our State Conference. I have served on and been chairman of our Nominating Committee.
Active Adjudicator
I am an active adjudicator for the Ohio Music Teachers Association at both the state and district levels, the National Guild Piano Playing Auditions and the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs.
The American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers
"Guild"
Guild
is the largest, non-profit organization of piano teachers in the
world. The primary function is to establish definite goals and awards
for piano students of all levels and grades. These goals provide
definite direction and a measurement for progress. Students have a
yearly opportunity to attain these goals through non-competitive
adjudication, where they are judged on individual merit. I've been a
member since 1998 and it is a mandatory requirement that my students
participate.
Accompanist • The Columbus Boychoir
Performance highlights include the inauguration ceremony of Ohio Governor Richard A. Taft; the
lighting of the Olympic Torch at City Hall; City of Columbus Black
History Month Celebrations, Mayors Lashutka & Coleman presiding;
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Governor Voinovich
presiding; and featured guests of the Sweet Adelines at the Palace
Theater. Competition successes include the Peach Blossom Festival in
Washington, D.C. and the Fiesta Val Adjudicated Music Festival in
Atlanta, GA. It was sad when this group disbanded for financial reasons.
Cynthia Adams & Janet Wherry Piano/Cello Duo
We played everywhere! Venues included Nationwide Insurance, The Lincoln-Leveque Tower, Capitol Square South, Aladdin Shrine Temple, The River Club, Schottenstein Zox & Dunn, Franklin Park Conservatory, malls, country clubs, hotels, weddings, in-home parties, art galleries and retirement homes.
Eventually, we got tired of lugging the electric piano, bench, music stand, cello in hard case, chair, and sound system. And we got tired of working every holiday season.
MUSICAL THEATRE
I love Broadway! I accompanied my first musical when I was a freshman in high school. I've been the Music Director, Conductor and/or Pianist for the following central Ohio productions:
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum • Actors' Summer Theater Company Anything Goes • Weathervane Playhouse Big River • Actors' Summer Theater Company Chicago • Spotlight Dinner Theater Fiddler On the Roof • Gallery Players Little Mary Sunshine • Weathervane Playhouse My Fair Lady • Actors' Summer Theater Company Of Thee I Sing • Gallery Players Oliver • Actors' Summer Theater Company Peter Pan • Palace Theater Pleasure Guild Production Some Enchanted Evening • Spotlight Dinner Theater
I've also done Annie, Applause, Brigadoon, The Music Man, Oklahoma, Once Upon A Mattress, Pippin, The Sound of Music, The Wiz and You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. The one show I'd give my eye teeth to do is SWEENEY TODD!
What? You want more? Here are some other things I've done during my career:
National Music Director, Alpha Xi Delta Director of the School of Music, Leo Yassenoff Jewish Center Certified Instructor, The Music Place (for kids) Program (recognized by the Royal Conservatory, Canada and The Associated Board, England) Coordinator of Alternative Programming, The Music Place (for kids) Program Music Director, Zanesville (OH) Parks and Recreation Department Elementary Music Teacher, Wetzel County (WV) Board of Education
Caricature • 2005
I am married to the talented and creative Eric P. Bruce. No relationship to Earl.
Eric graduated from The Ohio State University with a Degree in Journalism and a Minor in Theater.
