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About Mrs. Valerie 

Music Training and Teaching History

I am a classically-trained pianist with 32-years of study and 17-years of teaching experience.

My journey as a pianist began at age 7 and was carefully guided by Mrs. Tanya Ellezian, a marvelous Russian piano teacher in my hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas.  From 1995 - 2000 I was privileged to attend the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University where I studied under the tutelage of the esteemed Karen Ann Krieger and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Arts, with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy.  I spent one year of post-graduate study with Dr. Sandra Chucalo Turner, Chair of the Piano Department at Southern Seminary.  I taught piano and flute lessons for the Southern Seminary Academy of Music - now the Seminary School of the Arts and I taught piano lessons and moderated the piano technology lab for a private studio in Louisville, KY.  I taught public school music and directed the honor choir at Northridge Middle School in Van Buren, AR before moving here to Austin, TX where I worked for the Austin Chamber Music Center and taught private and group piano lessons at Capital Music Center.  For the past 7 years I have taught exclusively from my own private studio, now affectionately and professionally referred to as my Piano Garden.  

 

Professional Affiliations and development

Because of my commitment to further my own understanding of music, I attend periodic conferences and workshops and am currently pursuing certification as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as well as a Teaching Diploma from the Associate Board of Royal Schools of Music, London (ABRSM).

I further develop my skills as a pianist by studying privately with concert pianist and Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of the Austin Chamber Music Center, Mrs. Felicity Coltman.  I perform periodically in local Musicales or accompany vocalists and solo musicians for concerts and contests. 

 

I am an active member of the following local, and National teaching organizations:

Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA)

Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA)

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Texas Federation of Music Clubs (TFMC)

National Guild of Piano Teachers
Teacher Division of The American College of Musicians

 

My students participate in informal and formal recitals during the year, and may choose to participate in piano and theory exams offered by the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, the National Piano Guild Auditions, National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals, and Austin District Music Teachers Association events.

 

  

About the Groh Family

Established on January 18, 2009, the Groh Family consists of Mr. Matthew Groh, teacher of physics, chemistry, IPC and Astronomy at Westwood High School, Mrs. Valerie Groh, yours truly, and Masters James (b. 2010) and John (b. 2013) Groh. Also at the time of writing this, we have a little shih-tzu named Wrigley who has been my faithful furry friend for 14-years and a backyard duck named Jemima, soon to have additional feathered friends, yet-to-be-named.  We all look forward to making your acquaintance and hearing you or your children making beautiful music on our piano.  

Now, tell me about YOU!

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512-902-6148

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