Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Carolyn Stuart

Spokane,WA

Summary

Professional musician with strong piano teaching background, adept at fostering musical growth and technique in students of all ages. Expert in adaptive teaching methods and performance coaching. Proven track record in preparing students for competitions through innovative techniques. Knowledge of applied music theory as it relates to improvisation and playing from lead lines. Nationally certified and committed to ongoing professional development.

Overview

49
49
years of professional experience

Work History

Piano Teacher

Self-employeed
09.1976 - Current
  • Mentors students age 5 through adult, teaching beginning through advanced repertoire.
  • Students participate in the Washington State Music Teachers Music Literacy Program in which yearly exams are given in Theory, Technique, Sight Reading, Ear Training and Rhythm consisting of 10 levels
  • Includes improvisation and lead sheets with theory instruction..
  • Prepares students for performance opportunities such as recitals, adjudications and competitions. .
  • Continuously researches current trends in pedagogy ensuring instruction remains relevant and engaging.
  • Coordinates recitals and musical events to showcase student achievements.
  • Keeps up-to-date with advancements in piano pedagogy by attending workshops, conferences, and participating in professional development opportunities.
  • Maintains detailed records of student attendance, progress reports, repertoire lists, and performance evaluations.
  • Adapts instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Selects music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
  • Active member of MTNA, WSMTA and SMTA for 40+ years, serving as Chapter President, Regional Vice President, Chapter Music Literacy Program committee chair.
  • Nationally Certified through MTNA.

Choir Director

Knox Presbyterian Church
09.2007 - 12.2020
  • Conducted weekly rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
  • Enhanced choir performance by implementing innovative rehearsal techniques and strategies.
  • Developed a diverse choral repertoire in selecting choral anthems incorporating various musical styles and genres to broaden the choir's appeal.
  • Participated with worship team as pianist, singer as well as providing leadership and selecting music.
  • Cultivated a positive rehearsal environment by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and camaraderie among choir members.

Project Joy Women's Choir Director

City of Spokane
09.2003 - 06.2009
  • Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances
  • Performed 2-4 times monthly at retirement homes, nursing homes and Project Joy concerts.
  • Selected musical selections to challenge choir members and to give audiences a program of enjoyable music to lift their spirits. Included "sing a-longs" for audiences to participate in music making.
  • Cultivated a positive rehearsal environment by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and camaraderie among choir members.

Church Pianist

St. Peter's Lutheran Church
09.2000 - 06.2006
  • Maintained the piano's excellent condition by scheduling regular tunings and addressing any necessary repairs promptly.
  • Prepared weekly preludes, communion music, offertories, postludes, hymn accompaniments and liturgical music.
  • Continuously improved technical skills through ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops or masterclasses with renowned liturgy experts.
  • Performed at weddings, funerals, and other milestone events within the congregation, creating a meaningful and personal atmosphere for attendees.
  • Worked closely with clergy to ensure that musical selections were cohesive with sermon themes and overall spiritual goals of each service.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between liturgical elements by providing timely and appropriate musical cues.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Piano Performance

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
06-1976

Skills

  • Strong communication skills
  • Performance coaching
  • Adaptive teaching methods
  • Practice strategies
  • Keyboard harmony
  • Pedagogical skills
  • Piano technique mastery
  • Analytical thinking
  • Music theory mastery
  • Sight-reading proficiency
  • Ear training expertise
  • Piano lessons

Timeline

Choir Director

Knox Presbyterian Church
09.2007 - 12.2020

Project Joy Women's Choir Director

City of Spokane
09.2003 - 06.2009

Church Pianist

St. Peter's Lutheran Church
09.2000 - 06.2006

Piano Teacher

Self-employeed
09.1976 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Piano Performance

Eastern Washington University

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