Unlike most music teachers, Penny is a specialist in education as well as music. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, and (of course) Music from the University of Pittsburgh. She also has a Master's degree and completed PhD coursework in Art History from Pitt.
Penny has taught students in every age group. She's certified in Kindermusik and has training in Suzuki Piano, eurhythmics and voice. She's a certified middle school social science teacher and has been a college professor in art history. Penny is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA). She is an adjudicator for the New Hampshire Music Teacher's Association and presents programs regularly for independent piano teachers in Massachusetts and writes regularly for the national music education journal Clavíer Companion.
In 2009 Penny's teaching skills were honored when she was chosen to sit on the Newburyport Schools Superintendent's Strategic Planning Committee, working to develop school goals and direction for the entire school system for the next ten years and was awarded the Ed Molin Award for Exceptional Volunteer Teaching in the Newburyport Public Schools.
Most recently Penny presented a session on "Using Silent Movies to Teach Expressive Performance" at the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy in Chicago, July 2013 and was awarded a National Certification in Music Teaching from MTNA in August 2013. Penny presently works with piano students from 13 Essex county communities.
Recommendations from parents and students
Penny is truly a great teacher. She relates to her students in a way that builds their self-confidence and makes them feel good about their musical accomplishments. My children love going to their piano lessons and are always happy to practice at home too.
—Sue Blumenscheid
I have two very different children who have both flourished with Penny. She really knows just how to reach each child, finding ways to motivate them through the rough spots and cultivating in them what I hope will be a lifelong love of piano.
—Karen Conway
Thank you Teacher Penny for a great year! I have learned a lot from you! You're the best teacher ever!
—Kelly Conway
Sam is looking forward to starting piano lessons with you! Very impressive that you are drawing students from so many different communities. Did you ever imagine that when you started? The lesson here is that right-minded people are willing to travel for excellence.
—Joe Valenzuela
I just wanted to tell you that picking Alec up from his lesson yesterday was fun... I have NEVER seen him so enthusiastic about a piano lesson... thanks for a great start to the piano year!
—Jono Reduker
"I can't wait to tell you all about college when I come home from St. Andrews for break! I'm so glad you and piano have become such a huge part of my life, something that will be with me always. Thank you so much for the Beethoven Bagatelles! I'll miss you, have such an amazing year and good luck with the new iPad music apps!"
—Signe Frick... See More
Highlights: Ensemble Piano, General Music, Audition Prep, Composition, Music teacher, Chorus, Improvisation, KinderMusic, Music Appreciation, Advanced Piano, Suzuki, Group Piano, Voice Pedagogy, Home School, Preschool Music
