Rebecca Martin

 

I moved from Virginia to Colorado in 1974 to attend graduate school in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I completed the Master of Music degree and have been inspiring children and adults to play piano ever since. My studio is currently located in Lafayette, Colorado, 10 minutes from Boulder. I believe in a strong classical background but also teach jazz, blues, rock, reggae, and other popular styles. I have presented workshops around the country for students and teachers introducing them to the fun of playing popular music.

Philosophy

I believe that everyone can learn how to play piano. With desire, dedication, and hard work, success is achievable for all students. I truly believe in the Suzuki method for beginning piano students. The emphasis on listening, correct posture, strong technique, and consistency of practice lays the groundwork for quick but deep learning. I believe in the power of music as artistic and emotional expression. I teach piano to give the gift of creativity to my students.

Professional Degrees and Training

• Suzuki training in all levels with Beverly Fest, Dorothy Jones, Doris Harrell and private study with Connie Starr
• Master of Music - University of Colorado at Boulder
• Conservatoire de Neuilly - Paris, France
• Bachelor of Arts in Music - Hollins University
• Study with Alice Soles
• Jazz studies with Keith MacDonald and Ted Alexander

Suzuki Institutes Faculty Positions

• South-central Alaska Suzuki Institute - Anchorage, Alaska (16 years)
• Denver Suzuki Institute
• Peaks to Plains Suzuki Institute - Broomfield, Colorado
• Pianos Plus Suzuki Institute - Loveland, Colorado
• Snowmass Suzuki Institute 

Greater Washington Suzuki Piano Institute, DC 2012, 2013

Performance
Pianist for Lois LaFond and the Rockadiles for 20 years 
Recordings~Something New , Lois LaFond 
                          Lois LaFond and the Rockadiles
Pianist for Pandaemonium (18 piece big band) for 30 years
Home concerts in jazz, blues and classical

    

 

Professional Memberships

National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) State Board Member 2009-2010

Boulder Jr. Federated Music Club (President 2005-2006, 2009-2010)

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA) 

Boulder Area Music Teachers Association (BAMTA) Past President, Multiple Piano Festival Co-Chair 2015

Boulder Valley Suzuki Teachers (BVST)

Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)

International Suzuki Association (ISA)

Suzuki Association of Colorado (SAC) - State Board member 2009-2011

 

Movie Soundtracks

Marvin's Flyin' Boat

This Place of Love

 

Awards

Daily Camera Best of Boulder Award - Voted Jazziest Music Teacher 1987

 

Piano student winners Colorado All State Jazz Band, including Jason Bialick, winner large School Division 2008, Ethan Bialick, winner Large School Division 2012, Chelsea Lovato, winner Small School division 2013 and 2014, Sam Scheeres, alternate, 2013 Large School Division.

 

BAMTA Outstanding Senior Award, James Herod 2011, Ethan Bialick 2012, Annie Davis 2014

 

Colorado Federation of Music Clubs Composition Competition--- Western Region Winner-Danny Herman 2011 First Place Level IV,State Winner First Place  Level III--Ward Jaffe 2011,State Winner Level III-Ward Jaffe 2012,State Winner, First Place Class ll-Weston Barnhill, 2013, State Winner First Place Senior-2015, Caleb Linville

 

Longmont Idol competition 2011 Izzy Fischer--1st place winner piano and vocals (vocal teacher Jessica Rogalski)  $1,000 cash prize.

 

Piano student winners Colorado State Festival (NFMC) 20+years , including Daniel Linville, winner, Senior Piano Concerto Competition, 2017