Miss Judy really knows what she’s doing! My daughter started lessons at just under 6, when she began to express interest in our home piano. With Judy’s classical yet extremely positive and fun approach, she was picking up the basics of play, music reading, and even theory in no time!
Always sensitive to the ages and personalities of her students, Judy knows just where to meet them to encourage and motivate without force or friction. From the littlest learners to more experienced performers, you can really see she brings forth the best in her students, and she does a great job of cultivating community amongst them to boot.
I will be forever grateful for the foundational knowledge and love of music she has helped instill, and would recommend Judy to anyone at any age looking to begin or further their piano exploration.
Sarah Fulton, McKinney (parent)
Ms. Judy is a phenomenal piano & music teacher! Our son is high energy, and she worked to guide his energy levels to be successful with music! He LOVES playing the piano now, and has learned so quickly under Ms. Judy.
She also put together a recital in Dallas at the end of the school year. Our son was prepared and played so well in front of so many people! It is such a joy to see his love of music grow, and it is all thanks to Ms. Judy! Katie Wallace, McKinney (parent)
“Ms. Judy is both an unbelievably talented pianist and the best piano teacher! She is the perfect blend of challenging kids to reach their potential on each song and each scale, but so very encouraging and upbeat and always with a dose of humor. All of her students- and their parents- in Baton Rouge, miss her so very much!” Regina Cates, parent
It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Ms. Judy Zahrndt, who was my daughter’s piano teacher in Baton Rouge. My daughter was refusing to go for piano lessons with her previous teacher. After that, I found Ms. Judy Z.
Ms. Judy was able to impart her enthusiasm and love of playing the piano to my daughter. My daughter enjoyed taking lessons with her from the very beginning, connecting with her warmth and her consistently positive approach. Ms. Judy is a patient teacher and her commitment to her students is evident. She is very proud of each student, which is evident during recitals.
Ms. Judy sets high standards and expectations that she makes clear. My daughter has learned the benefits of self-discipline regarding music and other aspects of her life. Ms. Judy taught my daughter to play piano in church including all the Mass parts. She is now able to play piano for a Mass by herself after learning with Ms. Judy. She is a very loving teacher and a friend of each student.
I highly recommend Ms. Judy as a music teacher for any adult or child who wishes to learn.
Smitha Dcruz, parent
(From a 10 year old former student)
Ms.Judy is the best piano teacher
Ms. Judy is the best teacher (including class teachers) because she just is. Fine I'll tell you. She throws awesome parties She always makes you feel welcome She doesn't get mad at you She has dogs If you don't like dogs she has cats If you don't like dogs or cats she puts them in a room. She gives pizza and candy Very caring Very funny Nice (of course like if someone does all of the above how are they not nice??!!) She makes you feel at home She doesn't make you feel nervous (she moved to Texas and I have a new piano teacher for 6 months and I still sweat like crazy). She does fun stuff She has theory games You can get presents and play games and get prizes Etc. Let me tell you You're never gonna find another piano teacher (or teacher) like this.
Tia S. , student (Baton Rouge)
(Side note-- I'm down to one shy dog- but I still do all of the above!!)
Judy became a part of our lives in 2007 and our entire family has been beyond blessed from this relationship. She has taught both of my children. Let me change that word, taught; she invested in my children and my family.
Both my son, Austin, now 23, and my daughter, Madeline, now 16, were taught by her for a combined total of 14 years. I didn't have to fuss or badger them to go to lessons, they looked forward to it. Judy's talent is only equaled with her outstanding rapport with children. My children grew as pianists under her guidance. Although they didn't always like to practice, they always loved seeing Ms. Judy. She provided encouragement and support which helped them build their confidence as pianists. I CANNOT say enough good things about her. You see, we are still so sad that she relocated. Although we are thrilled that she is closer to family, this family misses her terribly. My children were in wonderful hands with Judy.
My highest recommendation is with her always.
Kristi M., parent
I started piano lessons with Ms. Judy my freshman year of high school after having taken piano lessons from a different teacher from 5th – 8th grade. Ms. Judy really made me like playing piano again. I got to play classical pieces as well as fun ones. I did great at Festival because of the encouragement from Ms. Judy, and she gave me a lot of great opportunities with piano. She got me started playing at Masses and now I am able to play a full Mass by myself. I actually still play keyboard with a band for a church. She taught me in a way that made it easier for me to learn new pieces on my own. Ms. Judy has made me more confident in my piano skills and I am still playing today because of her.
Jenise Dcruz, former student (Jenise is now finishing her Junior year in college. She also won several contests she decided to enter- including ones that were Statewide. )
It is with great pleasure that I'm writing this testimonial letter about Ms. Judy Z.
She has been my child‘s piano teacher for more than 10 years. My first daughter Alina began taking piano lessons with Ms. Judy in 2010, when she was in kindergarten. We were introduced to her by my parish church pianist whose daughter was taking lessons with Ms. Judy as well. Ms. Judy not only has been playing for many churches around Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a long time, but has also taught students how to play at Mass as well. She taught her students, including my daughter, how to play at church by allowing them to play at a Convent Mass. Alina’s progress during the past 10 years with Ms. Judy as a teacher far exceeded any of my expectations.
Not only is she a wonderful pianist, but she is also a compassionate and kind person. My children enjoyed taking lessons with her from the very beginning. All of them gained a deep love for music due to Ms. Judy’s warmth, her positive approach, and the small things she did to encourage my daughters- like making them laugh and clapping and giving stickers when they succeeded. Ms. Judy is a patient teacher, and her commitment to her students is evident. Her pride for her students shone during recitals and music festivals.
Ms. Judy’s influence on my daughters continues to show up in their daily lives. My daughter, Megyn and Kathleen have learned the benefits of self-discipline in regards to music and other aspects of life, like school. My other daughter, Alina, started playing songs for Mass since 5th grade as training, and now she is in 9th grade.
I’m an accomplished pianist myself, and I play for Sunday Mass at my parish church, but since I have been busy, Alina is taking my place.
I highly recommend Ms. Judy as a music teacher for adults or children who wish to learn. All of my children had her as a piano teacher and each one of them are doing wonderfully now in music. We were so sad when she informed us she decided to move to Dallas, Texas. She is like family to us, and we all miss her, but we’d love it even more to see her reunite with her daughter and grandchildren. She has been working hard all her life, so it’s great that she would be able to be near her family while still teaching and doing what she loves.
Johnny Tran; father of Alina 9th grade, Megyn 5th grade, and Kathleen 2nd grade
(Alina & Megyn have also won numerous accolades for their classical renditions/ as well as winning Statewide contests that they chose to enter. )
Side Note- although Catholic, I have played in many different denominations of churches. I played at one particular Baptist church for 7 years, and was Music Director at a Methodist Church years ago. I have also had occasion to play in just about every other denomination.
I therefore teach church music to whatever denomination is appropriate to your student, and will do my best to find opportunities for your student to play (in a non-threatening environment!)