Mary Keelan, Owner/Instructor

Mary Keelan relocated from Lincoln, NE to Kingsland, TX in June of 2010.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with piano emphasis from the University of Northern Colorado, and has done graduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Human Development & the Family.   Mary studied under Lee Thompson and Daniel Graham (Graham  was a student of the famed Leon Fleischer)

Mary began her music career as a church accompanist at the age of 13, which she has continued throughout her life.  Following college, she taught middle & high school music in the public schools, at the same time maintaining a small private piano studio. 

When Mary's son Jesse was small, he attended Kindermusik, an early childhood music & movement program.  Research proves that early integration of music into a child's daily routine improves their ability to think, reason, create, and express - music makes them smarter.  Regardless of the benefits, both Mary & Jesse were hooked from the beginning! Mary became a licensed Kindermusik educator in 1994 & opened Kindermusik of Northeast Lincoln.  By 1997, the Kindermusik & piano studio became a full-time occupation.  She was a member of the Kindermusik Educator's Association, & was accepted into Kindermusik International's Maestro Producer program in 2002.

In 2006 Mary received a very clear call to mentor students & young teachers.  The studio was was expanded to include additional offerings & teachers, & was renamed KeelanMusik.  KeelanMusik added Celebration Singers, a wholesome, non-audition performing arts group, giving children & youth an opportunity to learn singing, dancing & showmanship.  Mary became a licensed Musikgarten educator, enabling her to teach Music Makers at the Keyboard, a group piano method that enables children to develop the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing & musicianship.  The private piano studio expanded it's focus to include keyboard ensembles, digital technology, music enrichment activities, & family music making.  Musik 'n Muffins was added, giving senior adults an opportunity to learn (or re-learn) to play the piano &/or keyboard in a comfortable way that addresses a variety of learning styles.

The reason for expanding & mentoring became clear in 2009, when Mary & husband Sid realized they were to pass the studio on & move to a warmer climate.  In July 2009, in anticipation of her move to Texas, Mary sold the Kindermusik portion of the studio to trusted friend & Kindermusik teacher Krista Burbach.  In May 2010, Zaneta Hahn, director of the Celebration Singers program & Instructor of Music Makers at the Keyboard & private piano, purchased those programs.

Mary is a member of the National Music Teacher's Association & the Texas Music Teacher's Association. She regularly attends State & National Music Teachers Conventions as well as Keyboard Ensemble and Technology seminars.  Mary's students have won numerous district & national awards for their piano & orchestrated digital piano compositions.  As well, throughout the years her students have placed high in District & State music festivals.  But what touches her heart is to see their love of music continue throughout their lifetime.

Mary is wife to Sid, step-mom to Rebecka, foster mom to Nancy and Kim, host mom to Verena and Knut, just plain mom to Jesse, and grandma to Zack, Alex & Jude.  Together Mary & Sid enjoy walks, traveling, & attending musical events.  When not teaching, Mary enjoys participating in various musical events.  More than anything, she loves to teach & mentor.  She feels blessed to be able to combine her love of people and her love of music to bring piano & keyboard instruction to Highland Lakes area families.