We have had McKenzie in music lessons at 2 other places, for different instruments, but it was Mary that was finally able to get through to her and really instruct McKenzie in a way that makes sense to a child her age.  Piano is a foundation instrument.  If you can learn it, and learn to read music, you can learn anything. Coming from a family that plays multiple instruments, I wanted McKenzie to have music in her life too, but I knew I was not going to be able to teach it to her. I do not have that specific skill set. Mary does. It's a very rare thing to find an instructor that connects with the student so well. Robin, Mom to McKenzie, Age 7

It's amazing what our son Chase has learned in the past two years in the KeelanMusik  program!  Mary has provided an excellent musical foundation for our son to build on - whether he continues to pursue piano or ventures into additional instruments in the future.

Mike and Chris, parents to Chase, age 9

I would pick Mary because she is a very fun and an exciting piano teacher.  Mary has been my teacher since I was 18 months old.    I am nine years old now and I really have enjoyed her teaching me in Kindermusik and piano.  She allows me to pick my favorite songs along with the course songs.  Mary really inspires me to play piano.  She also encouraged me to be in a piano competition that I really did well in.  I would really encourage you to pick Mary as your piano teacher.  P.S. Trust me, she's awesome. 

Rachel, age 9

I would like to say how much we appreciate Mary's ability to individualize instruction to meet student needs and allow creativity, both technologically and musically to make the holistic process of learning so fun and meaningful for older students.  The variety Mary offered really met Riley's needs and kept him interested at this middle school age, which we so appreciated, because most of the boys he knew had already stopped lessons.  Thank you!! 

Diane, Mom to Riley, age 15 & Ella, age 10

It's been a WONDERFUL 10 years or so!!!  We've ALL learned so much!  I heard Zum Gali the other day and assumed it was Greta, but I walked in the living room to see Mike (my husband) at the piano!  That was fun. 

Aimee, Mom to Caroline, 11 & Greta, 9

My daughter has taken group piano lessons from Mary for two years.  She has had the most amazing experience and has learned so much.  She has started other instruments since she began piano, and they have all come easy to her due to the outstanding music instruction she has received from Mary.  We would not change a thing about her experience.  Mary Keelan comes HIGHLY recommended by the Finley family!

Kristen, Mom to Morgan, age 10

Mary has been a great piano teacher in guiding me though my beginning Piano journey through 9th Grade.  She has taught me much about music and has helped me to understand everything that I needed to learn to play advanced music.  Mary teaches a love for music that is well-described in her slogan, "A Joyful Approach to Music Excellence."   She even continues beyond just the piano to teach about music from other standpoints. I have greatly enjoyed my time with Mary as my piano teacher and thank her for all the time she has invested in me. 

Joel Mohrmann, age 16

It still is amazing that something as simple as exposing children to music provides the building blocks for a lifetime of music appreciation.  Both of my daughters have taken Kindermusik since they were 18 months old.  The oldest (age 14) is now playing piano and trumpet and participates in marching and jazz band at school.  The youngest (age 7) is also playing the piano.  Both are comfortable trying new songs, improvising and just generally playing for no reason at all.  Our family is so blessed to have found Mary as a teacher and mentor.

Michalla, Mom to Rachel, 14 & Leah, 7

Mary has been such an absolute wealth of character, wisdom, knowledge and insight.  She always made everything look so "easy" but I know that came with diligence, preparation and most of all a gift that God gave her.  It will be impossible to obtain what we have received from her in anyone else.  Maybe 3 or 4 people, maybe. 

Renee, Mom to Hannah & Haleigh, age 10

I've know Mary since I was one and a half years old.  She is the main reason music is a big part of my life now.  She has made it easier for me to learn other instruments besides piano.  She is a great teacher and I learned a lot from her.

Monroe, age 15

Mary is an excellent music teacher.  She is creative and she has a natural knack for working with children.  She inspires.  Her approach to music allows the children to confidently and enjoyably play the piano.  Her recitals are low-key but professional.  The children are allowed to perform in a nurturing and fun environment.  Her creativity with the recital program itself allows for the attendees to be entertained too.  

My secondary satisfaction with working with Mary has been her decision to offer group lessons for beginning piano students.  Having the children learn in a group was the first step in making the program a success.  As I watched my son take the beginning classes week after week, I was amazed at the depth and broadness of the program.  He was playing with both hands within a few months.  By ear, he was figuring out chords to complement the melody of a song.  I was learning too and it was fun!  As the class went on, he was learning chords and scales for the minor and major keys.  He then ventured out to compose little songs of his own.  All these activities were enjoyable for him.  It gave him such a sense of accomplishment and I was delighted. What could be more satisfying than to see your child successfully and happily playing music!

If you are looking for a piano teacher to inspire and develop your child's skills in learning the piano, Mary Keelan is a sure choice.  Her combination of teaching style within a fun and nurturing environment makes her and your child a success.  You and your child have been gifted with the opportunity to experience a wonderful piano teacher.  We wish you well in this endeavor to share the joy of music with your child.  

Cindy, Mom to Riley, age 10

What Adult Students are Saying...

 

I enjoy my piano lessons with Mary so much. She is patient and very kind, and is in tune with her students.  Mary looks at students' abilities and goals and the level they are when they start, and moves them forward at their own pace. She makes it fun, and also makes it possible for people of all ages to learn how to play the piano.

Jo Ann, '70-something' adult student, Kingsland

Upon retiring I wanted to do something I had been thinking of for a long time, piano lessons. As if it was planned I met Mary soon after moving to Kingsland. I find that the adult individual class is perfect for me. Having taught people how to use a computer system for years I knew that people learn at different rates and through different methods. Mary recognizes this and can go with what ever works for that person. As I am a grumpy old man, I want to know why I need to do something a certain way. Mary has a good reason for everything and points out things that will save me grief later on in my piano experience. I have met some of her other students and I think they all would agree that she is very astute and has a wealth of experience. Therefore, she can pick up quickly on what will work best for the student and what they need to change.  Best of all, she and her husband Sid are two of the nicest people you could meet. Bob, '60-something' adult student, Kingsland

Mary combines her love of music & people with her excellent teaching skills to create a joyful learning experience - I highly recommend her!

Rachel, '30-something' adult student, Bertram

I looked for a piano teacher to help me learn chord structure and theory, so I could accompany singers when asked, and (in any key). Mary gave me the ability to learn just how to build chords and play with other musicians. When asked if I know that tune, I just say " Go ahead and sing a few bars and I'll jump right in".  Thanks Mary, we made it happen together.

Denny, '60-something' adult student, Kingsland

My time with Mary this last two months has been very hard. I came to her studio as a mess of a piano student and when she talked to me about how she could help me, I knew that she would be able to do so.  All I could do when I first came was play the scales and I didn't care when I messed up.  Mary uplifted my spirits and made me feel like I could one day play the piano better than ever. She never said anything to put me down but always told me how well I was doing. It was so nice to for someone to help me not just improve my skills but also help my self-esteem.

Kendra, '20-something' college vocal music major needing to pass her piano proficiency exams, Spicewood