Early Background
Rowena began piano lessons in January of her fourth grade year. By the time she was in seventh grade she was the pianist for her junior high chorus. In high school she accompanied the chorus in her sophomore year, and the orchestra in her junior and senior years. She also accompanied instrumentalists at solo and ensemble contests and played at church as needed.
Formal Training and Experience
During her college years she took a number of music courses, piano lessons, and piano pedagogy. Since her early college days she has played for churches she has attended. Beginning in the early 1980’s she began playing organ/piano duets on a regular basis and continues to play them several times a month at her local church. She also accompanies the congregational singing, and vocalists when needed.
Homeschool Mom
Rowena is mother to two grown sons whom she homeschooled for a total of ten years. During that time she taught them both piano at which they excelled. Both boys were quite active but still learned the discipline of practice. She gained first hand experience in teaching, supervising regular practice, and preparing her own children for Guild auditions, Sonatina Festivals and recitals.
Teaching All Students
Over the years Rowena has successfully taught a number of students who exhibit the symptoms of ADHD, as well as students on the autism spectrum. Her patience and genuine love for the students often wins the day!
Professional Memberships
A member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers for almost thirty years, Rowena is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA), and the local Fox Hills Music Teachers Association (FHMTA). She holds certifications in two early childhood music teacher groups, Kindermusik and Musikgarten, and has taught classes in both.
Opportunities to Advance
Rowena’s students participate in annual student auditions such as those sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the FTMTA Sonatina Festival. They also perform in Five Grands concerts, three recitals per year and studio group lessons. Three students have gone on to pursue careers in music and teaching.
ESL Background
In addition to teaching piano to students from the age of four to retirees, Rowena has taught a number of students with first language backgrounds other than English. She has a Master’s in TESOL and has taught ESL locally. She would love to share her love of playing the piano with students from the many cultures that are represented in McHenry County.