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About the Studio:

Piano Student showing love for Music Mind GamesMusic Mind Games:  
"Creating Music Literacy with Joyfulness"
Music Mind Games is a perfect fit for Encore Studio's teaching philosophy: combine the important framework of a solid base in music theory with games and activities that stimulate the brain in a fun, uplifting, and cooperative atmosphere. Encore Studio has been using the Music Mind Games (MMG) curriculum and materials for over 20 years. Debra Bolte Redding is MMG certified. Music Mind Games have music theory activities for beginning levels through advanced levels.


Student Accomplishments:     Piano Student showing pride with superior certificate from festival
  • Students have excelled in both competitive and non-competitive activities. Encore Studio students are particularly proficient in music theory. For example, in 2017, 95% of students received a "Superior" rating on the Music Theory Test from NFMC, representing levels 1 - 11. 
  • Students have participated, and excelled, in NFMC Festivals, NMTA District and State Festivals, Iowa Auditions, MTNA Junior Competitions, and LMTA Composition Contests, and others.

What You Can Expect from the Teacher  
You can expect your teacher to maintain membership in professional organizations so that students have access to a variety of activities and opportunities. Your teacher strives to keep up with the latest advances in technology and teaching. You can expect that with your support and the student's hard work, the teacher will facilitate the musical growth of you or your student through instruction that includes first-class repertoire, quality technique, music theory and music history. The teacher places student well-being over other considerations. Music study is an activity which should provide relaxation and enjoyment, not stress or unhappiness! 






About the Teachers:
Primary   Owner and main piano teacher Debra Bolte ReddingTeacher Credentials:
Debra Bolte Heald has a B.M.E. with a piano major from St. Mary of the Plains College (magna cum laude), and undergraduate study in Piano, Music Ed, and Music Therapy at the University of Kansas and Metropolitan State University in Denver. She is Nationally Certified in Piano by MTNA.  
 
Accomplished and active member of many Music Associations:
  • Membership in the following organizations benefits students by giving numerous opportunities for music activities and performances, as well as continuing education for the teacher:
  • Member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), National Federation of Music Clubs,
  • Nebraska Music Teachers Association (former state theory chair), Nebraska Fedration of Music Club, Iowa Music Teachers Association
  • Local organizations including Lincoln Music Teachers (Music Outreach Committee and Teacher), Omaha Music Teachers (former president), Southwest Iowa Music Teachers, Lincoln Area Federation of Music
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Pianist/Accompanist
Debra has subbed at many different churches as a worship pianist and/or special music. In the past, she has accompanied vocal and instrumental solos for contests and performances for several area schools. Most recently she accompanied jr. high and high school choirs at Fort Calhoun Community Schools, and currently is plays for Olive Crest United Methodist Church in Omaha.






Substitute Teachers:

Substitute piano teacher Maryn Heald

Introducing Maryn Heald: She brings to you twelve years plus of piano study, with numerous Festival and Competition solo performances, as well as three years of jazz band (piano) experience and vocal/piano performance. Maryn is a 6th grade language arts teacher, and has worked with the After School Program in Waverly as a piano and dance instructor. 












Substitute teacher Taylor Anson at piano competitionSubstitute teacher Taylor Anson

Taylor Anson is a Senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to coming to college, he studied with Dr. Linda Christensen, former professor of piano at Wayne State College. Taylor has entered many piano competitions, and received Honorable Mention twice in the State Division of the MTNA National Piano Competitions. Taylor also took 2nd place in the 2015 NMTA State Piano Competition. Taylor has volunteered his time as a pianist for the Wayne Community Theater, the Missoula Children’s Theater, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne.