Cynthia Duckworth

I have taught piano for more than 25 years. I have written and arranged sacred and secular music both instrumental and choral. It is with great pleasure that I inspire and challenge students to become musicians. And it is music that prompts song, dance, books, poetry, drawing, sculpture and other artistic forms that help us all embrace life.

My music career began in Wheaton, Il. at age four, with a friendly neighborhood piano teacher. In fourth grade I began playing flute and advanced my piano studies with Mrs. Beneroyo. At age fifteen, I learned to play guitar and began to score original music on piano. Mr. Lehman, led my early instruction of music theory.

Collegiate studies were completed at age 21 with a major in History and a minor in Music and Speech Communications from Eastern Illinois University. Course work in music and extracurricular activities focused on theory, composition, piano and choral vocals. Marriage and my husband’s masters program brought us to Kansas City. Locally I commenced study with a professor at William Jewel and later with Mark Hayes: playing piano, scoring original music and arranging.

I began teaching piano during my undergraduate years and have maintained a small studio for more than 25 years with breaks for a move to Kansas City and during studies for an M.A. in Speech Pathology. Upon completion of my Masters degree I reopened the studio for a few students and continued writing and arranging. I am now retired from Speech Pathology and have opened the studio to more students. In addition, I sing and play flute and guitar for a local folk band for whom I also score and arrange music.

Member: Federated Music Teachers Assoc., National Music Teachers Assoc. & Suzuki Assoc. of the Americas