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Teaching Staff
Donna LaRue, owner & founder of Forte Piano Music Studio, has been teaching piano for many years, first in her home & now at the studio. Always a teacher, she so enjoys being with young children as well as the teens & adults. Getting the most out of students and encouraging & pushing them to do their best is her forte! She herself began piano lessons at age 6 and studied through college. With a masters in education she taught briefly in the school system before resigning to raise her own children.
Derek Pearsall grew up in Southeastern PA but now, with his wife & daughter, makes Richland his home. A professional musician for over 35 years, he also served as an active-duty Army musician in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, performing in 23 states and 9 countries. Outside of music, Derek is a home inspector and local business owner (Chestnut Property Inspections). An approachable and engaged teacher, Derek considers music his lifelong calling and pleasure, and loves sharing that passion with his guitar and bass students.
Jim Roland took his first piano lessons from his Mother, herself an accomplished pianist. He later received his formal training from Joseph Arcaro at the Philadelphia Music Academy. In addition, he has studied in numerous piano master classes and technical work shops conducted by various piano professors and concert pianists. He has in the past given a number of recitals which included a television appearance. While Jim mainly uses the Piano Adventure books, he includes much information as taught by the great masters of the past.
Jolene Bomgardner is an expressive & vibrant pianist and a fine addition to the studio. She is taking our Monday evenings and although not limited to Piano Safari, she is enjoying working with this beginner piano series. Her involvement in music is varied as a substitute church pianist for many years, member of choir & band at her alma mater, New Covenant Christian School. A resident of Lebanon, she works full-time in the office at Zimmey’s Diesel but saves one afternoon to bless us.
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Jessica Reifsnyder lives in Richland with her husband and two children. Jessica has been playing violin for over 25 years and has enjoyed playing in various ensembles, orchestras, and pit orchestras. Outside of music, she is an Enrolled Agent and works part time at Sonrise Tax during tax season.
Thankful!
We're giving all we've got to give your student an excellent & encouraging experience with music. Whether at the keys or strumming the guitar we are so thankful for you, the students & parents, who push us and help us learn, for the energy you bring, for the practice you give and for the relationships we build. I am sure that as we work together, we’ll experience some wonderful growth and progress as we make music. If you have concerns, please talk with us, call, or write. If you’re pleased with the development of your student, tell your neighbors and just maybe you’ll see them coming in while you’re going out from your next lesson!
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