I enjoy teaching students of all ages. My goal is to create independent musicians who can problem-solve and practice on their own, equipping students for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. I love helping beginners build good habits from the very first lesson as well as helping busy teens and adults achieve artistic and musical results in spite of their busy schedules. I've been teaching for more than 30 years, and am proud to have been on the Piano Faculty at MacPhail Center for Music since 2000. I teach traditional and Suzuki individual lessons, group classes, and several summer piano camps.
Cathy Smetana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Piano Performance & Pedagogy from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance & Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Cathy was named a Top Teacher in 2016 by Steinway & Sons.
Cathy Smetana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Piano Performance & Pedagogy from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance & Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Cathy was named a Top Teacher in 2016 by Steinway & Sons.
Cathy's Piano Students Develop:
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Steinway Top Teacher Award
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Cathy was named a Steinway Top Teacher in 2016. Phil Kjos of Schmitt Music said, "I nominated Cathy for Steinway's Top Teacher Award because of her ability to teach not only the proper timing, technique, and phrasing, but the ability to express the emotional side of music. After hearing her students in a recent recital, it is very apparent that all her students are enjoying a truly wonderful musical experience that few teachers are able to achieve."
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What Students and Families Say . . .
"I had MPR Classical on the radio and March Militaire No. 1 by Shubert was playing. I brought Eli's attention to listen. Eli then said, 'Yeah, I hear it Mom ... how does it make you feel?" ???? I nearly drove of the side of the road, as Eli explained to me how the piece was light and joyful versus dark and sad. I am just thrilled that he is connecting thought and emotion with the music he hears. I suppose the Listen Up conversations really are making a difference in his world. Thank you - I wish every teacher had your passion and skill!" - Danielle P.
"My children, Daniel and Clara, started piano lessons with Cathy when they were 4 or 5 years old. Cathy has instilled in them a love for playing the piano and an appreciation for beautiful music. I have enjoyed sitting in the lessons and observing Cathy's creative ways of teaching. She has a keen sense of where they are at in their piano playing and gives them pieces that challenge but do not frustrate them. From the early Faber pieces to Chopin, Mozart, Debussy, or Rachmaninov, Cathy motivates them to play every piece with an artistic touch." - Zhenzhen S.
"Cathy's hands-on teaching style is amazing, and you learn so much while having a fun time. Her abilities as a teacher enhanced how I view music and helped me develop a life long love for music. Also, she takes the time to get to know her students and their family, developing a caring relationship with them." - Stephen L.
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"Cathy is a gentle, effective, and dynamic teacher. Her approach allows the student to develop deep musical roots, making consistent progress in technique and repertoire. Our sons have felt at home with her easy and kind personality, and appreciate the no-pressure and no judgement atmosphere of her studio. She is wonderful!" - Olga and John P.
"Since 2001, one or both of my sons has been studying piano with Cathy. She is an outstanding teacher because she understands her students and uses their interests to keep them moving toward conquering the next challenge. Studying with Cathy is rewarding whether music is a side interest (my older son) or a guiding passion (his younger brother). Her warmth, flexibility, and high expectations produce beautiful music." - Lisa H.
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"Cathy has such a delightful and versatile teaching style. When we determined my 5-year old son would have a better fit in one of MacPhail's Piano for Children classes, I asked her to provide me with instruction instead of him. She was quickly agreeable and it was a great decision! Two years later, I am continuing my lessons with her and am grateful for her patience with my tight schedule, her attention to detail, knowledge of music theory, and her seemingly endless encouragement to keep playing. I have and will continue to recommend Cathy to my adult friends who have voiced interest in taking up or returning to piano lessons." - Kealy H.
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"Cathy has been Peter's only piano teacher since he first started playing piano ten years ago. She has been a teacher and a mentor for him. Cathy is an excellent teacher because she knows how to motivate him to practice and improve his skills while keeping him engaged and preserving his love of music." - Rhonda and Pete H.
"My teenage daughters love working with Cathy! She is extremely supportive of them wherever they are at in their musical journeys. She respects their interests and encourages and facilitates the pursuit of their individual goals. My daughters look forward to their lessons every week, and they are always positive experiences. Studying under Cathy has allowed my daughters to continue piano lessons into their busy teenage years. They have never regretted that decision!" - Kathy M.
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"Cathy has taught various members of our family for 14 years from Piano for Children through high school and even adult so we know she is great with all ages. She has been a wonderful teacher for both our not-so-motivated son and our very motivated daughter. She is very organized and helps her students to be organized and efficient in their practicing, which has been so valuable to our family as we try to balance multiple instruments, multiple sports, school and work." - Cindy P.