June Christenson has always loved music. Upon getting piano lessons for her sixth birthday, she knew right then she wanted to be a piano teacher. She gained a solid music background studying with Martha Greene, Florence Brinton and Gladys Gladstone. Now June has been teaching piano for over 50 years, giving her first lessons at the age of 14 and continuing to maintain a large private studio.
From the time she became congregational pianist at age nine, June has actively served in various church music positions. She has also been involved with Utah Music Teacher's Association (UMTA) at the local chapter and state levels, serving in several capacities including Salt Lake Chapter President.
June graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Music Composite Secondary Education. To broaden her knowledge in teaching techniques, she has continued to attend music workshops and seminars around the country. She is certified in many programs including the Suzuki and Kindermusik methods.
In 1989, a pedagogy class taught by Dr. Paul Pollei inspired her to completely change her teaching style. Due to his influence, she began to create musical projects for her studio and soon began marketing them at state and national conventions. Today, her creative music teaching aids have grown to over 100 products that promote better reading, rhythm, vocabulary, theory skills, composer and history knowledge and special projects about the piano and practicing.
June believes that music is a life skill. “Music education is not the education of the musician, but above all, the education of the human being,” she says. June strongly believes that teaching goals should not only include music literacy, musical independence and a love of music, but also etiquette, poise, self-confidence, self-esteem, mental discipline and creativity. Her musical projects are concept-based and include repetition, labeling, and application to help teachers:
June and her husband enjoy their twelve darling grandchildren who are the lights of their lives. When she is not teaching lessons and creating music education materials, June likes to “project,” travel with her most patient husband, play Gramma, sift through garage sales, and worry.
From the time she became congregational pianist at age nine, June has actively served in various church music positions. She has also been involved with Utah Music Teacher's Association (UMTA) at the local chapter and state levels, serving in several capacities including Salt Lake Chapter President.
June graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Music Composite Secondary Education. To broaden her knowledge in teaching techniques, she has continued to attend music workshops and seminars around the country. She is certified in many programs including the Suzuki and Kindermusik methods.
In 1989, a pedagogy class taught by Dr. Paul Pollei inspired her to completely change her teaching style. Due to his influence, she began to create musical projects for her studio and soon began marketing them at state and national conventions. Today, her creative music teaching aids have grown to over 100 products that promote better reading, rhythm, vocabulary, theory skills, composer and history knowledge and special projects about the piano and practicing.
June believes that music is a life skill. “Music education is not the education of the musician, but above all, the education of the human being,” she says. June strongly believes that teaching goals should not only include music literacy, musical independence and a love of music, but also etiquette, poise, self-confidence, self-esteem, mental discipline and creativity. Her musical projects are concept-based and include repetition, labeling, and application to help teachers:
- Teach in the most novel way possible through engaging lessons and stimulating activities that develop a well-rounded musical understanding.
- Help students become accountable for what is on the page.
- Teach students the skills to break down a problem.
- Show students that when you can name the parts, you have more control over a concept.
- Teach in a variety of ways to include all learning styles.
- Understand that how you teach a concept is more important than the method you use.
June and her husband enjoy their twelve darling grandchildren who are the lights of their lives. When she is not teaching lessons and creating music education materials, June likes to “project,” travel with her most patient husband, play Gramma, sift through garage sales, and worry.