Early Music Education
Marie Reeder was inspired to study piano by the music of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Stephen Schwartz, and William Joseph. At nine years old, she began piano lessons, and by seventeen, was teaching her first private students. That early start sparked a lifelong love for both performing and teaching.
Education & Training
Mrs. Reeder studied music at Riverside City College under Dr. Jeanette Wong, where she helped develop a peer-to-peer piano tutoring program and served as a student instructor for class piano. She earned an Associate in Fine & Applied Arts, an Associate in Music, as well as a Professional Certificate in Piano Performance, all class of 2017.
She later earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Redlands, class of 2020, studying under the renowned artist professor Louanne Long. There, she discovered her passion for piano pedagogy - designing classes for young beginners, programming child-centered recitals, and teaching at the University's annual Summer Piano Camp.
During her time at Redlands, Mrs. Reeder also served as pianist for the University Symphonic Band, premiering a commissioned work written for the ensemble. Her private studio grew to over 60 students during this time.
Mrs. Reeder is currently a candidate for a Master of Music in Kodály Pedagogy from the University of Redlands, class of 2027.
Performance Experience
After graduation, Mrs. Reeder launched a private program to help young professionals build successful teaching studios and served as pianist-in-residence at multiple wedding venues throughout Riverside and Orange Counties.
Eventually, she accepted a position as collaborative pianist for a local school district, where she has had the privilege of accompanying full-length Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, large-scale concerts, and competitive choral festivals and adjudications.
In 2024, Reeder was tasked with the incredible honor of helping prepare a student choir for their performance at the National Memorical Day Parade and Music Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. - an unforgettable experience that showcased the power of music to unify, uplift and inspire.
In addition to her work with the school district, she also performs in the orchestra pit for the Redlands Theatre Festival every summer and occasionally performs with The California Theatre in San Bernardino, California.
Teaching Endeavors & Kodály
Mrs. Reeder employs the use of the Kodály Method when teaching music; emphasizing musical independence, sequential introduction of ideas, and only the highest quality music for students.
She runs a successful and thriving private studio in Riverside, California where she offers lessons to students of all ages, including toddlers and adults. She has conducted extensive scholarly research in the field of adult music/piano pedagogy and continues to advocate for the return of adults to the music lesson setting.
She also participates in classroom education - designing, writing and delivering Kodály-based music classes for Pre-Kindergarten to 10th Grade at a Private Christian School in Huntington Beach, California.
Mrs. Reeder currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Music Teachers Association of California, Redlands Branch as the Membership Director.
Life Beyond the Piano
When she's not performing, teaching, or accompanying, you'll find her spending time with her husband and two sons, volunteering at their church, baking, gardening, or sight-reading musicals just for fun.
"I'm deeply grateful for the privilege of turning my passion into a career, and I give thanks to Jesus for the mentors, students, and loved ones who've guided and supported me on this path." - Marie Reeder