LEAD TEACHER & ADMINSTRATOR
 KAREN DEWITT

A NOTE from Karen:

“I aim to help children and adults discover and develop excellent musical skills, increase confidence in who they are, and deepen their character through learning and mastering musical skills in a fun and progressive way.  While classically trained and focused, there is great advantage to learning elements of music in a variety of ways including: rhythm through drumming, theory games, physical movement and collaboration with other students.  It’s important that each student receive a solid foundation allowing them to explore a variety of musical genres  that engage them and foster self-motivation toward growth.  My hope is that each student would gain lifelong musical skills that can be applied in their lives no matter their path or profession.”

 

Experience:

  • 30+ years of private teaching experience:
    • Grove City College student teaching
    • TruMusic Inc, Seattle WA
    • NewSong Studio, Seattle, Lima and Rochester, NY
    • Lima Christian School music classes
    • Victor Music Experience private teaching
    • Internationally- East Africa
    • Agape Haven of Abundance camp & after-school classes
    • East Palmyra Christian School private and collaborative lessons
  • Beacon Hill Church Worship Music Director
  • Toddler Music using “Music Rhapsody”: Mendon Library, Victor Library, Victor Music Experience, NewSong Studio
  • Vocal master class guest speaker and teacher
  • Lima Baptist Church Choir Director, 2004-2006

     EDUCATION:

  • Preparatory Studies: Solo and Ensemble, All State, orchestra, jazz band, Show Choir 
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music Business, Grove City College
  • Studied the science of early childhood music development
    at a research-based music lesson company in Seattle
  • Member of Rochester Piano Teachers Guild
  • Member of Suzuki Association of America
  • Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
  • 2022 Piano Pedagogy Workshop: Dennis Alexander, Nazareth College
  • 2024 Piano Pedagogy Workshop: Theresa Bogard, Nazareth College
  • Italian Singing MasterClass with Dr. Robert Shewan, Dr. Judy Marlette, and Pamela Gilbert 2022
  • Master Lesson with Rami Bar-Niv, author of  The Art of Piano Fingering, 2024
  • Studied with Diane Abrahamian, Eastman Community School of Music

     PERFORMANCE:

  • Indiana All-State Choir
  • Recording, One Desire, 57th Street Productions
  • National Anthem vocalist; notably for NFL’s Seattle Seahawks
  • Vocalist: Robert Schumann’s A Women’s Life and Love for Washington State Music Teacher’s Association
  • Violinist for Sammamish, Avon Symphonies and Grace Choir
  • Accompanist at Kilbourn Hall, Eastman
  • Vocal soloist at Kilbourn Hall, Eastman
  • NHS Induction Ceremony Pianist
  • Harvest Bible Chapel Worship Band: vocalist, keyboard, violin, bass
  • Pianist for funerals, weddings, parties, school programs
  • Fairport Musicales vocalist, violinist and piano accompaniest
  • Beacon Hill Church Worship guitar, keyboard and vocals

ASSISTANT TEACHER 
 CHRISTINE DREW

 

A NOTE from Christine:

“Every student learns differently, which is why I tailor every piano lesson to the unique interests, learning styles and natural pace of the individual.  I want music to be a source of joy, not stress.  For energetic students, we keep things moving with active learning–incorporating rhythm drumming, engaging games, and flashcard challenges.  While we work hard to build a rock-solid foundation in music reading and aural skills, we also leave plenty of room for creative exploration.  From classical to jazz, students are encouraged to explore a variety of musical styles, but I also love rewarding their hard work with pieces they choose themselves!“

 

Experience:

  • 25+ years of private teaching experience
    • All ages
    • All skill levels
    • “Music for Little Mozarts” preschool curriculum
  • Lima Christian School Music Teacher (2015-2021)
    • Pre-K-6th Grade General Music
    • 7th-8th Grade Music Appreciation
  • Lima Christian School Choir Director 
    • Elementary, Junior and Senior High School Choirs
  • Educator for Homeschool Co-ops
  • Roberts Wesleyan University student teaching

     EDUCATION:

  • Member of Rochester Piano Teachers Guild
  • Bachelor of Science in Music Education – Roberts Wesleyan University
  • Preparatory Studies 
    • Eastman Preparatory Studies
    • The Hochstein School of Music
    • The Mozart School of Music 

     PERFORMANCE:

  • Recording pianist on Courtney Lutz’s album, Breakdowns and Breakthroughs
  • Worship Accompaniest and Choir Director 
    • Celebrate Family Church
    • Lima Baptist Church
    • New Testament Church 
  • Event pianist for recitals, weddings and memorial services.