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With over 34 years of private teaching experience, Amy Jo brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her students.
Her formal music training includes studies at Faith Baptist Bible College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and extensive continuing education through Wartburg College (Waverly, IA) and the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA). She has specialized in Music for Little Mozarts and developed original curricula for group lessons and piano camps.
Amy Jo’s musical journey began early—she became a full-time church pianist at 13. For over forty years, she has served as a pianist, praise and worship keyboardist, vocalist, children’s worship leader, and contributor to numerous community events and programs.
A dedicated member of the music education community, Amy Jo has been actively involved for 25 years with local chapters of the Northeast Area Music Teachers Association, the Des Moines Music Teachers Association, and the National Federation of Music Clubs. She has authored numerous articles for the Iowa Music Teachers Magazine (2018–2023) and presented continuing education classes for fellow music educators. Most recently, Amy Jo became a member of the Tucson Music Teachers Association, a division of the ASMTA and MTNA.
Her commitment to excellence was recognized with the Steinway Teacher of the Year award in both 2022 and 2023. She has also served as an accompanist for middle and high school choirs across Iowa and is currently active as her church choir pianist and a member of the Arizona Women’s Choir in Tucson.
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Nayeli Jimenez is a student at the University of Arizona obtaining a degree in Piano Performance and holds a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish. She studied with Dr. Daniel Linder for 2 years and has studied under Dr. Rie Tanaka since 2024. She is currently conducting research in Colombia with the Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas where she is analyzing the pedagogical approach to teaching “late beginners” at the university level. Her musical background is diverse, as in addition to piano she was active as a violinist in various chamber orchestras and mariachis for over a decade. She has previously worked with living composer Jorge Pinzón on his Toccata para Piano, and studied under Peter Takács and Dr. Daniel Shapiro at the Montecito International Music Festival. She is also the founder of “MTNA Jr. at Pueblo High School”, a program that seeks to bridge the gap between public group lessons and private one-on-one lessons in southern Tucson by bringing collegiate pianists to Pueblo to supplement their group piano program.
Nayeli’s teaching philosophy centers the student as a complete person and not just as a pianist. She aims to help build well-rounded individuals, taking a holistic approach to teaching. Her curriculum includes extensive music theory, as Nayeli has taken up to graduate level theory, and cultivates a comfortable learning environment that allows for students to leave their comfort zones in ways they will encounter beyond the classroom. Whether the student is seriously dedicated to their piano studies or simply wants a hobby to take up some free time, Nayeli will work with the student towards their goals, ultimately making piano a fun and positive experience.
Katy’s musical journey began at ten years old, when she started piano lessons. As her love for music grew, she began her teaching career at twelve by giving lessons to two friends. She soon after began composing, and during high school joined a youth composition program called Young Composers Project, which is offered by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduating high school, she pursued a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with Dr. Fanya Lin at the University of Arizona, graduating with honors in 2023. She is also set to graduate with her Master of Music in Piano Performance in 2025. As a pianist, Katy has performed in numerous events and competitions. For three consecutive years, she was named alternate in the Fred Fox School of Music Presidents Concert Concerto Competition. In 2021 and 2023 she won second and first place, respectively, in the school’s Michael Moore Memorial Piano Competition. She also placed third and won the audience prize in the Trester Piano Competition in 2023. Since the beginning of Katy’s teaching career at twelve, she has developed a passion for teaching students of all ages how to make and love music at the piano. It continually excites her to see her students grasp concepts and techniques and become better musicians. During college, her teaching experience expanded as she took first a tutoring position and then a graduate teaching assistantship in undergraduate music theory. It is always her goal to make music understandable and achievable for her students with individualized instruction and a positive learning environment. Composition also remains one of Katy’s greatest musical interests. Since graduating from the Young Composers Project, her main focus has been releasing albums of original instrumental music. Her goal is to create emotionally compelling and uplifting music that tells stories and takes the listeners on an inspiring journey. She also hopes to explore film scoring in the future. When she is not working on music, Katy enjoys reading books, watching movies, and spending time with family, friends, and her husband Stephen.
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For over 30 years I’ve been working with piano students of all ages and skill levels in my Armory Park Neighborhood studio! I enjoy supporting and encouraging students no matter where they are in their musical journey. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, English Literature and Humanities. My husband and I homeschooled our three sons from September 2000 until January 2020. One of the best experiences of my life was helping them with their musical studies and watching them grow. I’d love help you achieve your musical dreams and enjoy the journey together along the way!
Read my teaching philosophy here
Victoria MacDonald, MacBerry Piano Studio, Tucson, AZ 85701
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