Classical Piano and Music Theory
My History
Kimberly Katz
I began piano studies at age 5 with Mrs. Iris Logeman, who is arguably one of the finest piano instructors in the country for students K-12. Mrs. Logeman teaches extensive music theory, finger technique (scales, chords, arpeggios, etc.) as well as sightreading and ear training. She prepares a child to be an independent musician and molds them into sensitive performers.
I performed frequently in many city and state music competitions over 12 years of study with Mrs. Logeman. At the age of 16, Mrs. Logeman urged me to start teaching piano and referred students to me. I realized my love for teaching early in life and soon was teaching many hours every week.
"Mrs. Logeman is an incredible teacher and mentor and I truly owe my professional career to this remarkable woman.”
After high school, I auditioned at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. The scholarship committee awarded me a full-ride piano scholarship. I auditioned for the Chairman of the Keyboard Division, Professor Joanne Baker, and was honored to be one of the few selected to study under this world-renowned teacher. Professor Baker was a performer, composer and an international judge serving as Chairman of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. Professor Baker is one of the most respected piano teachers in the world and young musicians came from all parts of the globe to study with her.
"Professor Baker taught me the fine art of critical listening and refined my technical skills. She taught me how to produce a rich, singing tone quality and how to teach that skill to others. She inspired a joy and passion for teaching and is a musical icon to every life she has profoundly touched."
I also studied piano literature with the internationally-renowned concert pianist Professor Richard Cass; piano pedagogy with Professor Karen Halverhout; and music theory with Dr. LeRoy Pogemiller.
While at the Conservatory, I was featured in the 1979-80 edition of The National Dean’s List, elected to Pi-Kappa Lambda, a music honor society, elected President of the collegiate chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, an international co-ed professional music fraternity, and as a junior was awarded the prestigious Presser Foundation Scholarship Award for outstanding achievement in music. I received my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance in 1984.
I am a member of the Missouri Music Teachers Association and I involve my students in its many opportunities to perform and compete. Aside from weekly private instruction, I offer my students the opportunity to attend Studio Classes where all of my students come together to informally perform for each other. This gives students an opportunity to hear all ages and levels while building performance confidence, preparing for competitions and recitals and learning performance etiquette. These classes inspire and motivate students and encourage them to do their best without the pressure associated with a formal recital.
"I believe every child innately loves music and the ability to create music is a skill that every child should have the opportunity to explore and develop. Music undoubtedly should be an important part of every child’s education."