About

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Mary Jo has been a lover of music for as long as she can remember. She began taking

lessons at five years old and hasn’t stopped playing.

She grew up in a small town in Indiana. Her family moved to Middlebury when she was three. It was there that her mother drove her to lessons every week in a city a half hour away.

When Mary Jo was 14, her teacher had her perform a solo recital. In a rented church hall, with invited guests, Mary Jo gave a 90-minute performance of memorized music. About this

same time, she began working at a local piano and organ store. Every time someone bought a piano or organ, it came with six free lessons. Guess who that teacher was? Yes: Mary Jo.

And so, at the ripe young age of fourteen, she began her now legendary teaching career.

In addition to teaching at the local store, she gave lessons to elementary students at a high school. Mary Jo kept up her teaching in addition to her normal work load as well as being a part of choir and the school’s jazz band. And when performers needed a piano accompanist, there was Mary Jo.

When she was older, Mary Jo went back to school to get her degree in Dental Hygiene. She practiced this profession for twenty years and eventually, in 2006, she moved to California.

Now she’s back to her first love of teaching music, having never forsaken it completely.

Mary Jo also provides vocal coaching to a few students and is available for private events and as an accompanist.

Mary Jo’s teaching philosophy begins with a foundation of technique, theory, history, and creativity. As she gets to know each student, she works to tailor the lessons and song choices to that student’s individual needs and interests.

She knows that not all students learn the same way and is always on the lookout for ways to help each student not only learn, but have fun as well!

Some of her core foundational elements include (but are not limited to):

• theory

• history

• scales

• chords

• intervals

• key signatures

• how to play off a lead sheet

• how to write out a melody

• different styles & techniques (classical, rock, jazz, blues, contemporary)

• performance best practices

In addition to weekly lessons, Simply Joy Music Studio arranges two recitals a year (spring and fall) to allow students to perform for their parents, family members, and other students. 

Each is an event that everyone looks forward to!

Mary Jo has taught students as young as four, adults returning to music after some years off, and those learning piano for the very first time. She’d love to help you or your children learn, too.

I strive to make each class both fun and full of learning for each student, regardless of age.

"Ms. Mary Jo is such an amazing music teacher. Our son has blossomed under her tutelage.

He has natural talent, but not natural focus, and Ms. Mary Jo is so good at helping find ways to keep him engaged and keep it fun. She helps him find obscure music that he’s excited

about, and is always quick to encourage him while exposing him to the important exercises and methodologies he’ll need to expand his skills. She balances fun with discipline in just the right measures. 

Additionally, we always really enjoy the recitals. Our son works extra hard to be ready for them, and it really pays off."

Click here to see more testimonials.

Sometimes the best way to get to know someone is just to spend time with them. 

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