About Deanna

Teaching music is my dream come true.

Since my earliest memory I have been obsessed with learning all I could about the piano and popular music.  Since 1995 I have been sharing my love and knowledge of the piano and singing with my students. 

I can't think of a more wonderful way to make a living, can you?

So, what's my TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

I am by no means a musical genius.  In fact, I have made mistakes in music that most of my students won't even think of (refusing to practice, irritating the wrong teacher, etc.).  But, I recognize that not all of us will be (or even want to be) musical geniuses.  So I will not berate you if you don't spend 10 hours a day practicing for your Julliard audition!  Music is for EVERYONE.  It is a form of entertainment and should be enjoyed by EVERYONE ... especially those learning how to play an instrument or sing.  It takes a long time to become fluent in the language of music and I want you to enjoy your evolution.  I will be patient with you and I expect you to be patient with yourself.

I don't require my students to be performers, but I do think that experience performing at recitals is an exciting challenge that will help you advance in your studies.  I think recitals are fun ... but I'm kind of a show off!

I began formal piano lessons at age seven and participated in every school music activity I could including band, jazz band, choir, jazz choir and I have always been an extremely busy accompanist, playing for soloists, small ensembles and choirs since I was 11.  I am also a busy church musician, subbing on piano and organ and singing regularly in the choir.

Much to the dismay of some of my college music instructors, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a BA in Music (Music History Emphasis) in 1992.  After graduating from UW-L - where I was told I shouldn't even bother majoring in music because I wasn't very good at it  - I quit playing the piano and vowed never to touch it again.  I was working on a BA in English at Viterbo College and working as a telephone operator in 1995 when two co-workers talked me into teaching piano to their children.  In 1996 I completed a BA in English (British Literature) at Viterbo College and I have been teaching piano as my primary source of income since 1995.  I have maintained a vibrant piano and vocal studio at Leithold Music since 1996.

I am currently president of the La Crosse Area Music Teachers Association and have been a member of that organization and the affiliated Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association since 2001.  I also served as editor ot the WMTA Newsletter from 2003 to 2008.  I am a member of the Riverland Chapter American Guild of Organists. 

I am a founder of the David Lawson II Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awarded music scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the greater La Crosse area from 2000-2005.

Music Teachers National Association

Wisconsin Music Teachers Association

La Crosse Area Music Teachers Association

Riverland Chapter, American Guild of Organists