Bette J. Franke, NCTM

Piano & Accompanying

Bette is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music with MTNA, one of few on the west side of Phoenix. Her experience includes over 25 years of teaching, both in Arizona and Illinois, with children and adults, plus adult group teaching. She emphasizes practical ways to practice, correct hand position and fingering, artistry, various styles (e.g. classical, sacred, popular), and improvisation. Her students are active in PMTA Events, including the Student Recital Series.

Bette hails from a musical family; her father and older brother were both professional musicians. She taught herself beginning piano, then began formal lessons at age 13. With diligent practice and love of the piano, she was playing advanced piano by age 15. She also accompanied her brother and other trumpet soloists and vocal soloists, and played in churches.

In college, she studied Applied Piano and Organ, Music History, Theory I and II, Form and Analysis, Modal Counterpoint, and Composition. Her teachers included Dr. Donald Beattie, Dr. Gerald Racquet, Dr. Preston Rockholt, and Mrs. Joan Luehrs, MM. Bette is an active pianist at her church, having played at their Symphonies of Praise. She has also served as substitute pianist (including accompanying) at several churches and temples in her area. She has accompanied the Choir at the Temple in Sun City, and played for various activities at the Temple in Sun City West.

Bette believes that everyone should enjoy the benefits of music making at any age or level. She believes too, that "students don't care how much I know unless they know how much I care."

Testimonials

"Taking lessons with Bette has been such an eye-opening experience for me. Her approach to teaching is very different from what I've had before - in the best possible way. She explains things so clearly and helps me see music from new perspectives that I never considered. I always leave our lessons feeling inspired and excited to keep learning. I'm so grateful to have found her as a teacher." Adult Student

"Mrs. Franke's passion and dedication to the piano shines through in her teaching techniques. Her grounded knowledge of piano theory propels the student from simple scales to compound chord composition. She encourages active participation in the learning process, thus allowing a pace consistent with one's ability and interest. In the 5 years that I have been taking lessons, the time spent has been most enjoyable." Adult Student

References are available by request.