Testimonials
From Colleagues:
It was my privilege to teach side by side in a private school setting for several years with my colleague and friend Martha Buchanan. I was able to observe Martha’s expert teaching skills firsthand in group lessons which we taught together. In shared recitals over the years, I observed the excellent progress of her students and saw the results of her outstanding teaching. Her kind and patient manner, coupled with her high expectations, made students eager to achieve their best for her. Martha’s expertise, experience and professionalism combine to make her one of my most respected and valued colleagues.
Katherine Tobey, NCTM MTNA South Central Division Certification Commissioner
While living in the Dallas area, Martha was my grandson’s first piano teacher. Her perfect combination of kindness, motivation and firmness was exactly what my grandson needed. He looked forward to his weekly lessons and loved the fun activities and engaging music that Ms. Martha shared with him. As a piano teacher, I was happy that my grandson was getting a solid foundation in technique. As a grandmother, I was delighted that Martha was fostering his love of music. It is my pleasure to recommend Martha Buchanan!
Peggy Schaaf, Voice and Piano Teacher – Vocal Discoveries Studio, Salem, VA MTNA, NATS, Somatic Voiceworks Teachers Association
I began taking piano lessons from “Miss Martha” Buchanan when I was eight years old. Martha’s instruction was clear, easy to follow, and progressed as we learned more and more. Not only did I learn to play piano, but Martha also taught me music theory at a very advanced level. This knowledge helped me to be successful in middle and high school choir as well as continue to hone my piano skills. When I got to college as a music major, I was well above my peers in knowledge of music theory, music history, and sight reading. I actually tested out of over nine hours of college credit due to Martha’s incredible teaching. We are now colleagues at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and any time I have a student who requests piano lessons, I refer them to Martha. I wouldn’t trust their piano education to anybody else!
Annie Byrom Blancken Lower School/Middle School Choir Director, St Andrews Episcopal School, Austin, TX
Martha Buchanan is a revered colleague and a wonderful friend. I worked with her at the Texas Summer Music Academy. Her professionalism in creating the program made my involvement one of the best teaching experiences I have had. Martha also recruited me to be on the board of the Austin Young Artist Concert. She assembled a dream team of Austin music teachers, and it was an honor to work alongside them. The programs she has created or been involved with over the years always have a strong foundation. She is truly a remarkable business woman with a creative touch for teaching.
Buffy Currens – Private Piano Instructor, Austin, TX MTNA, TMTA, ADMTA, American College of Musicians
I have known Martha both personally and professionally for more than 35 years. We have worked together at Episcopal School in Baton Rouge and as colleagues in the Baton Rouge Music Teachers Association. Martha is an outstanding teacher who has dedicated a lifetime to her profession. Her skill, experience and knowledge as a teacher are truly exceptional. She guides her students with patience and care. She sets a standard of excellence and holds the student first in all her work. Martha is generous and kind. I know of no finer person. I would recommend her highly as a teacher, colleague and friend.
Patti Misita, NCTM Owner/Instructor – Center for Musical Arts, Baton Rouge, LA
Martha Buchanan is a wonderful friend, colleague, and person. I have had the opportunity to serve with her in many capacities through the years. Because of her awesome ‘selling’ and position on the Nominating Committee, I accepted the position of First Vice-President (in charge of programming) for Austin District Music Teachers Association when I first moved to Austin a little over 20 years ago. That led to various other leadership positions I’ve had in the organization at the State level, and as a presenter of sessions at the National level. She is a great leader, and I was pleased to serve side-by-side with her on many occasions. When she moved from Austin over a decade ago, she worked diligently to find teachers for the students she would be leaving. I had the pleasure of teaching three young women who transferred from her studio. They came very prepared, excited about learning, and we spoke of Martha often. I could see that they cherished their friendship with her, as do I. I am so happy she’s returned to Austin and am pleased to refer students to her when the opportunity arises.
Marti Mortensen Ahern MTNA, TMTA, ADMTA; Pianist & Artistic Director – Austin Chamber Ensemble
Martha’s skills have always been vast, and they are ever-growing. She has proven many times over her ability to learn and grow and expand her teaching expertise. She has always been a wonderful colleague — her insatiable curiosity, her striving for excellence, her interest in new techniques as well as her respect for the tried-and-true, make her a treasured go-to person for feedback and ideas. She cares deeply about her students and does everything she can to help them progress while ever fostering their innate love of music. She’s always put in many more hours than she’d ever admit trying to make sure she provides her students with a very positive experience on all fronts. She is a gentle, but exacting teacher, and I believe any student should feel lucky to walk through her door. Austin is lucky to have her back.
Karen White, Private Piano Instructor MTNA, TMTA, ADMTA
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” Aldous Huxley
From Students:
I began taking piano lessons with Martha when I was just 5 years old and in kindergarten. I took an interest in music at a very young age and studying piano with Martha fostered my love for making music, even as a small child. Her instruction was an equal balance of all of the important aspects needed when learning to play an instrument. Not only was the quality of her instruction excellent, but Martha made practicing and playing the piano fun and engaging. She used motivational techniques appropriate for students of all ages and established a wonderful rapport with those whom she was teaching. After taking lessons for six years, I went on to become a member of the mixed chorus and show choir at my high school, also performing in musicals. Additionally, I sang in an a cappella group at the University of Texas for four years, all the while still using the valuable piano and musicianship skills that I learned from Martha. Looking back, I wish I had continued taking lessons with her for many more years. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a qualified, kind, and patient teacher.
Jamie – Washington, DC
Studying music was never something I thought of doing in my childhood, but learning music from Ms. Martha was an eye-opening experience. I enjoyed every moment I had at my piano lessons whether I was starting a new piece, learning and perfecting a section of an older piece, or just getting a treat at the end of the lesson. I learned more than music throughout the years with Ms. Martha; I learned a lot about how hard work and perseverance are all it takes to achieve greatness. I learned about how music can be such a joy in life, and about how much joy it can bring to the people around you. I remember that getting to the lesson was always a drag……BUT being at the lesson with Ms. Martha always made me forget about how tired I was and always put me in a better mood during and after the lessons. Ms. Martha was the best piano teacher I could’ve ever asked for; she truly cared for her students and always found effective ways to help us learn whether it be in lessons or theory and repertoire classes. From junior high through high school, learning from Ms. Martha was a huge part of my life and any student would be lucky to learn from her.
Hairett – Baton Rouge, LA
I was a student of “Ms. Martha” Buchanan in Austin, Texas for over 7 years in the 1990’s. She was my first piano teacher and one of the most important figures of my childhood. Through our time together, Ms. Martha helped me develop a love and appreciation for music and piano. More importantly, I learned from her the value of practice, determination and patience. Even now, over 15 years later, she remains a great friend and mentor and I feel very lucky to have had her influence in my life (both musical and beyond!).
Vi – San Francisco, CA
I took piano lessons as a child for over ten years. At the age of 28 I decided to take lessons again, but was a little apprehensive to take on another chore that needed to be done each week. I knew from experience that piano students don’t progress without practicing almost every day. Within the first couple of weeks working with Martha, I was surprised at how much I looked forward to my weekly lessons. Martha made the experience very relaxing and stress free, and I actually used my practice time as quiet time away from my hectic lifestyle. Martha was very open to letting me have input on the type of music I learned and it made the entire experience very enjoyable. I felt Martha understood what I wanted as an adult learner, and because my lessons were individualized to my level and interest I progressed very quickly. I also felt like I received a better comprehensive musical education as we talked about much more than just notes and rhythm, which was what my childhood piano lessons solely focused on. My lessons with Martha included information about music theory and the history of classical music, which has increased my overall ability as a pianist.
Jamie – Frisco, TX
I loved studying piano with Ms. Martha Buchanan. I was her student for seven years and she was always a model of consistency and a conveyor of learning. Her well-structured lessons helped me strive to be my best in all aspects involved in playing the piano. From basic scales and theory to sight reading and playing pieces, Ms. Martha loved to teach all of it. I enjoyed playing my pieces above everything else, but Ms. Martha knew this and reminded me in every lesson how important the other skills I was learning were in relation to my repertoire. All in all, Ms. Martha nurtured my piano skills, but at the same time instilled in me a love of learning and hard work. I will always appreciate and thank Ms. Martha for the pleasure I find in good music, for lasting life skills, and for all the good memories we’ve shared together.
Kevin – Baton Rouge, LA
Music creates mood. Whether I’m on my way to work in the morning or about to work out after a long day, I listen to music to lighten my mood or to energize myself. That’s why I believe it’s good to know how to play an instrument (or two!) to gain understanding in a world where music is ubiquitous. And as a former student of Ms. Martha, I’d like to recommend her to you as a piano teacher! Studying piano not only helped me be a more well-rounded musician, but gave me experience performing for judges as well as larger audiences. With Ms Martha as my teacher, I enjoyed all that she offered me. I learned music theory, technique, repertoire, and sometimes additional pieces that I chose myself. Her professionalism is as outstanding as her teaching methods. During all the years I studied with her, she was incredibly consistent in the quality of her teaching and level of commitment to our lessons, and never let anything get in the way of her always generous and warm personality. And even now, 4 years after my lessons with her ended, we still stay in touch.
May – San Diego, CA
I began taking piano lessons from Ms. Martha when I was in the fourth grade, and I continue to play today. I am currently a sophomore at Belmont University studying Music Business. I have always had a passion for music and I know that performing is what I want to do with my life. Learning to play the piano is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has helped me become the musician I am today, and any future success I achieve can be attributed to it. Ms. Martha taught me the fundamentals of the piano along with what it takes to be a good musician in general. She understood my passion for music and always encouraged me to keep trying no matter how difficult a piece seemed. Over the years she has pushed me to become the best musician and person I can be. I remember that my piano lesson was the part of my schedule that I truly looked forward to every week, simply because I knew that she cared. She cared about everything, from how much and how effectively I practiced to how my week was going. Ms. Martha cares so much because she truly enjoys teaching music. Because we share a passion for music, she became a major influence in my life. She is more to me than my piano teacher from the past, she is my friend. Ms. Martha has shaped me as a musician and also as a person, teaching me that no matter what you do in life, you have to give it your all.
Breya – Nashville, TN
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” Confusius
From Parents: My daughter (now age 25) studied piano with Martha from age 5 and I was always pleased that it was a perfect fit. It was easy to see that my young one was getting not only an excellent music education, but in a kind and loving atmosphere that fostered her personal growth. My daughter gained many skills through working with Martha, especially in music theory which helped her in many musical endeavors beyond piano lessons. Martha offers learning through interesting and challenging teaching styles, always encouraging and motivating hard work with “fun” goals. Martha is a true professional – always prepared and her studio is always impeccably clean, organized and interestingly decorated for musicians of all ages. As a parent, I can’t say enough about what a positive learning experience we had with Martha, and highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for an excellent piano teacher.
Teresa – Austin, TX
My two daughters were fortunate to learn to love playing the piano from Martha. She was always patient, positive, & encouraging while teaching them to love music. I highly recommend her as a teacher!
Linda – Baton Rouge, LA
Martha Buchanan is the complete package when it comes to everything a parent could want in a piano teacher. She has a gift for being both unendingly patient with, and highly motivating to, her students. She is creative, friendly, and gracious. She is an excellent communicator, both with students and their families. She makes music fun. And most of all, she gets results. Our daughter entered Martha’s studio floundering and losing interest in piano. By the end of the year, our daughter was not only over her slump but excited and self-motivated about piano. Over the years under Martha’s tutelage, our daughter participated in numerous recitals and piano competitions and won a musical composition award in the district level PTA “Reflections” contest. She went on to minor in music in college. She has accompanied numerous singing groups and choirs in public performances and served as pianist, organist, and choir director in our church. We give direct credit — and abundant thanks — to Martha Buchanan for opening up this lifelong avenue of satisfaction, service, and expression to our daughter.
Kathy – Draper, UT