Mary W. TakeLessons Instructor Music, Piano, Voice, Music Theory S. River Dr, Tempe, AZ

I began teaching piano at the age of 13.  I know that may sound strange, but trust me, it was the natural progression as a result of very early exposure to the piano at age 3.  Upon graduating from high school I had over 30 students and a full scholarship to ASU. (...small town girl makes it...per local paper)  As a piano and vocal music major, it became apparant to me that many vocalists didn't have the musical skills people like myself had, which I attributed to my piano backgrond. Can I mention here how grateful I am today for this specialized skill called playing the piano?  It has truely defined and shaped me into the very musician I am today.   I  also sang in many choral groups throughout my undergraduate years. (Over 15)  These ensembles provided the background needed to motivate me to continue my education in voice and choral music, resulting in my Master of Music Degree in 1986.

During my ASU years, I borrowed enough money to purchase a complete piano lab, several accoustic pianos and a "Shingle" engraved "The Mary Purcell Piano Studio".  I opened to the public in 1976 with over 60 students.  Each student had a group theory lesson and one private lesson per week.  I remained in business for 3 years and then moved the studio to a South Tempe location.  I continued to teach and employ  part time teachers until I completed my Master's Degree in 1986.

Upon completing my Masters' I took a full time teaching contract for Mesa Public Schools. For the next 20 years I taught at two different Junior High Schools training hundreds of students in the art of choral music. Choirs under my direction participated in over 200 festivals and tours to include; Las Vegas, Nv., Anaheim, Ca.,  Reno, Nv.,  and Salzburg, Austria, to name just a few.  In addition, I have served as guest clinician and honor choir director in 11 out of state festivals and clinics.  My ensembles have placed in the "superior" rank for each and every festival attended.  Students from my program have continued beyond the High School level and many continue their studies today.  I have employed students of my former students in various musical programs as of this date.  Setting the example by living our passion is the best teacher of all!  After teaching in Mesa for 20 years I  transferred to Scottsdale Public Schools where I am in my 4th year. I currently teach at a Middle School and a High School teaching choral music, class piano and music appreciation.  In addition to my public school teaching  I have spent over 20 years of my teaching career working in church music.  I have directed youth choirs, bell choirs, adult choirs, small ensembles, brass choirs, string ensembles, 30 piano ensembles, and a European Music Tour with my church choir in 2004.  

Setting quarterly goals is number one by creating a practice  calendar with all dates of lessons, lesson plans and deadlines agreed upon by all involved.  Each lesson begins with a 5-10 minute warm up activity which includes technic drills and exercises.  Music theory, sightreading, and improvisation will follow for the creative component of each lesson.  New concepts which includes repertoire selections are then previewed as well as pre assigned literature will be assessed. Goal of each lesson:  Make some MUSIC! 

I teach the multi-key approach to piano. I use the piano in my choral classroom as well. I use several methods as no one method seems to meet all my expectations. Improvising, ear training and music theory is essential in all aspects of music education.

Agua Fria UHS - - 1969-72 (degree received)
Arizona State University - - 1972-77 (degree received)
Arizona State University - - 1986-89 (degree received)

Music, Piano, Voice, Music Theory