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 Fall Festival and 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, form and analysis, 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

"Mrs. Franke is by far the best piano teacher I have ever had. She gives me exceptional advice regarding all of my pieces and can always figure out what I need to improve on. Bette really understands me and my taste in music, and selects beautiful pieces for me to choose from. Without Bette Franke life would B-flat." 14-year-old 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.