About Carla Joy Martin
ABOUT ME
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a piano teacher!
I began piano lessons when I was in second grade and continued through college.
Even today, I still practice daily to perform in recitals and to broaden my knowledge of all kinds of music.
Recent master piano teachers I have studied with include Dorothy Burgess, Natalya Rufino and Jay Smith.
These esteemed Bakersfield musicians have broadened my knowledge and amplified the effectiveness of my piano instruction.
I am very grateful for their experiences as fabulous piano instructors!
My dear father loved music and always paid for my childhood music lessons—on the piano, flute, violin, guitar and organ. My mother always encouraged me as I practiced on our piano while she prepared dinner. Both of them sat in the front row during my recitals and orchestra concerts.
I see their kind, nurturing spirit alive today in the parents of my piano students—so happy to encourage their children’s musical dreams!
I gave a senior recital in organ & piano when I graduated from DePauw University in Indiana.
I had the privilege of performing on the new Fisk organ installed in the Stanford chapel when I did my masters degree there in 1983-84.
To show you what a small world there is among musicians—my organ teacher at DePauw was Maureen Carkeek. Her husband, Arthur Carkeek, was one of the men who helped build and install the Stanford Fisk-Nanney organ with its 4,422 pipes! Maureen & Authur came out to California for the Stanford Memorial Chapel Fisk Organ Dedication Concert on May 6, 1984—I was delighted to see them again!
Music continues to fill my life.
Since arriving in Bakersfield in 1986, I have taught piano, and taught in the public schools (bringing my guitar along).
I have performed on the piano for the Music Teacher’s Association of California, Kern Branch, and helped countless children make music a part of their lives, too.
What is my teaching philosophy in a nutshell?
1. Give students clear, positive instruction so they can progress in small steps over weekly lessons.
Make learning fun—that’s why they call it “playing the piano!”
2. Present the foundations of how music is put together (teach music theory) so students can better grasp how to read other’s music compositions as well as create their own music!
3. Open up the wide world of music, past and present, by presenting MUSIC ENRICHMENT classes where we learn about famous musicians from many genres—classical, jazz, country, rhythm & blues, and even rock & roll!
4. Offer students and their families happy piano recitals every year so students can show how they are progressing and experience the joy that comes after a good performance for others.
5. Be concerned and sensitive to the talents and concerns of each individual student and their families.
The desired outcome?
A student who is confident in their piano playing and proud of their accomplishments.
CONTACT ME
For any questions, or any more information, or if you would like to sign up your piano student:
Please contact me by clicking: Email
Follow On Facebook: 