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 I'm
Judy Zahrndt, a Piano Teacher for more than 30 years. As you can tell,
Duets have become my passion!!
I originally hail from New Jersey, where I began piano at the age of 4
under the tutelage of a Russian Concert Pianist (Eugene Helmer). In high
school, I moved to Kentucky, where I studied with Prof. Al Schmied of
the University of Tennessee (aka Mr. Technique) as one of his two
private students. From the University of Tenn., I was later fortunate
enough to study with Dr. Michael Rudd in Huron College, South Dakota.
Dr. Rudd was the recipient of the first doctoral degree LSU ever awarded
in music.
It was in South Dakota that I truly discovered the joy of ensemble
playing......in a band, the college Jazz Band, a church musician, and as
an accompanist! To truly be a good ensemble player, I found that one
must really give and take in order to make the music sing. Although I
had been a church musician since the 3rd grade, it was in college that I
really discovered what "ensemble" was all about!!
I have had lots of fun with ensembles over the years-- at one time I had
8 pianos with 16 pianists playing the same duet at the same time!! (It's
called a "Monster Concert"--but it's not about 'monsters'). Talk about
fun!! And the friendships that were forged!! I've also had Trios and
various ensembles with pianos and instruments, but in the end I always
come back to duets!! Duets form an instant bond between two people, and
demand musicality and (dare I say it?!?) practice in order to really
pull it off. And invariably, students come through.
Duet Festival has been a staple in my studio for the past 30 years. My
students love the Certificates, the challenge of playing for a judge,
and the trophies they eventually earn from NFMC. And I love the low
fees!! I have had students actually NOT quit because they wanted to stay
that "one more year" in order to earn their Duet trophy.
I never realized how truly impassioned I have become about duets. All
those years that I recorded duets for my students to hear--and how
excited they got-- propelled me to make these CDs, and make them as
perfect as possible. Join me in the Wonderful World of Duets-- they're
fun to teach and fun to play!! It has added a whole new dimension to my
teaching!!
Yours,
Judy Z
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"Your CDs are invaluable in helping me and my
students choose music—not only for Festival, but to incorporate repertoire for the year!"
-Pat O’Neal,
Teacher,
Denham Springs, LA
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