Betsy Parker

I have loved playing the piano since age seven and have also performed in many choral groups.  I have also studied clarinet, flute, organ, harpsichord and fortepiano. My Master’s and doctoral piano performance degrees were earned at the University of Texas at Austin. During my years in Austin, I was voted Outstanding Pre-Collegiate Teacher by the Austin chapter of the Music Teachers National Association, of which I remain an active member. I often perform solo and ensemble music in Eugene, with the Eugene Symphony, the Oregon Mozart Players and with instrumental faculty musicians at the University of Oregon. I have taught group piano and private lessons at Lane Community College and am a guest lecturer at the keyboard department of the University of Oregon School of Music. Preparing for my own performances gives me insight in how to build performing skills in my students, who have won many state-wide honors and awards. I am frequently asked to serve as an adjudicator at festivals and competitions sponsored by the Oregon Music Teachers Association. Several of my former students are now professional musicians and many more enjoy music as a continuing avocation. Although my training is founded in classical music, I also enjoy teaching popular music and improvisation.