About the Teacher
Gracie Payne, born Graciela Lourdes Cabrera Salazar, grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduating from High School and the School of Music Jose Angel Lamas, she moved to the United State to continue her education in Music. Meanwhile, she married, had four children, taught piano and became a US citizen in 1997.
In November 2007, Gracie was recognized as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and a State Certified Teacher of Music by the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA). The certification from MTNA and WSMTA took about two years to accomplish and covered five standards:
- professional preparation,
- professional teaching practices,
- business management,
- professionalism and partnership, and
- professional/personal renewal.
One of the highlights of her studio is the “End of school Concert”. Every year the students perform a concert at the Moses Lake High School Theater or the Wallenstien Theater Big Bend Community College where they play solos and ensemble music using digital pianos. Younger students also play recorders and rhythm band instruments. School band students have the opportunity to incorporate their instruments into ensemble pieces whenever it is appropriate.
Gracie explained: “I can’t think of any better job for me. I love music and I love teaching and sharing this passion with others. My students are part of my life. Each one of them is a challenge for me. It is so rewarding to see them playing and making beautiful music where ever they go.”
Education:
- School of Music Jose Angel Lamas Caracas, Venezuela. Eleven years of studies to obtain the degree of Piano Performance Professor (1975)
- Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Private piano student of Professor Paul Pollei (1976)
- Music Foundation (Fundacion Musical Musiyama) Two semesters course of Harmony and Arrangement. Caracas, Venezuela. (1985)
- Two years of private lessons of Contemporary Harmony with pianist and composer Gerry Weil. Caracas. (1986 - 1987)
- Two years of organ lessons from Yamaha Music School (Fundacion Musical Musiyama) Caracas. (1985 - 1986)
Professional Experience:
- Elementary music teacher for 1st , 2nd and 3rd grade. Caracas (1985)
- Teacher assistant to musician and composer Rene Rojas, teaching music readiness to pre-school level students. Caracas. (1975 - 1976)
- Piano teacher at Yamaha Music School (1984-1985)
- Private Piano Studio. Caracas. (1983-1991)
- Private Piano Studio. Moses Lake, WA. (1993-present)
Other Experience:
- Pianist/Organist for a faith-based organization in Venezuela and in USA. (1976 - present)
- Choir pianist for Frontier Junior High, Moses Lake. (1993-1996)
- WSMTA Moses Lake Chapter Treasurer since 1998
- WSMTA Moses Lake Chapter Musicianship Exam chair 2010- 2013
Workshops and conferences:
- Jaques Dalcroze Seminar. Ateneo de Caracas. (1974)
- WSMTA State Convention 2004
- MTNA National Convention 2005
- WSMTA State Convention 2011
- WSMTA State Convention 2014
- WSMTA State Convention 2015
- WSMTA State Convention 2016
- WSMTA State Convention 2017
- WSMTA State Convention 2018
- WSMTA State Convention 2019
- Music City Workshops in Spokane Washington
- Several other workshops and Master classes provided by WSMTA