A Little Bit About Cari…
Originally from Michigan, Cari moved to Montana in 1997 and has taught piano in the Bozeman area for about 20 years. She began studying the piano at the age of nine under Joyce Smith before attending Eastern Michigan University where she studied piano pedagogy under Professor Joseph Gurt.
Over the years she has taught dozens of students of all ages and performed with small ensembles. As a member of the Southwest Montana Music Teachers’ Association, she has served on various committees and helped organize local competitions for young musicians. Most recently she worked as the manager of Eckroth Music, which gave her the opportunity to work with the local band and orchestra programs in the schools.
Her teaching philosophy centers around the idea that all people have a connection to music, and it is therefore a universal language of humankind. We are given the ability to sing, clap, whistle, dance, or drum anywhere we are. Playing the piano is one of many ways to express the language of music through an instrument.
Classical teaching techniques can help develop that language, along with some fun and creative approaches to learning with the goal of making lesson time energetic and engaging. She welcomes beginning students 7 years old or older, through intermediate-level students, including adults.
Cari is excited to return to piano teaching where she can share her love of music within a small personal studio while staying connected to the music community in Bozeman.