In our Piano Department, we work diligently to develop and explore musical expression and literacy for students of all ages and skill levels, from age 5-100.
We customize curriculum to meet the individual student goals, helping each child or adult learn to read, play, and understand music through the exploration of the piano. Coming soon, we hope to host a monthly studio class for students to enhance their performance and accompaniment skills.
Upcoming Events
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
- Victor Hugo
Meet The Instructors
Melody Puller-Department Head, Piano
Melody Puller earned her Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Idaho, studying with Jay Mauchley. She lived in Burlington, Vermont from 2002-2015 where she taught piano students of all levels and abilities. She performed regularly for the Cathedral Arts Series in Burlington, Vermont and served as concert coordinator from 2014-2015. She has recently returned to her home in the Northwest where she grew up, so that she could be closer to her extended family.
Dr. Matt Goodrich- Director of Music, Piano
A native of Syracuse, NY, and proud new resident of North Idaho, Matt Goodrich is a graduate of Oberlin College Conservatory, where he studied with Julian Martin. He earned his DMA from the University of Washington under the direction of Robin McCabe. His dissertation, entitled Ricardo Viñes and Les Apaches, explored the life and talents of one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic performers. He continues to perform Viñes-related solo- and duo-piano repertoire across the United States.
Dr. Goodrich was national finalist in the Young Artists division of the Music Teachers National Association and Young Keyboard Artist Association competitions. He has appeared as soloist with orchestras including the Syracuse Symphony, University of Washington Symphony, Victoria Festival Orchestra, and Willamette Valley Symphony.
An active chamber music and theatrical performer, Dr. Goodrich has enjoyed long associations with acclaimed performing groups such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, Northwest Boychoir, 5th Avenue Theatre, and Lucia Neare’s Theatrical Wonders (Seattle), and Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR). With the Harrington-Goodrich Piano Duo, he performs Parisian fin-de-siècle repertoire for two pianos throughout the West.
Marj Cooke, Piano + Mandolin Orchestra + Harp
Marj Cooke has exceptional range in the number of instruments she plays: pipe organ, piano, viola, folk harp, carillon, mandolin family, Dobro and recorders. She began piano lessons at age 3 with her mother as her teacher. Marj studied violin for 5 years, has participated in choral groups, and went on to study classical pipe organ. Marj worked as Church Organist for many years. She studied Carillon in graduate school and passed the professional exam in 1969. Marj also enjoys arranging and composing music.
Her extensive education and teaching experience is an enormous asset to the Conservatory. Marj earned a BA degree in Music and French, and a Master’s in Music Theory and Composition. Marj was an elementary school classroom teacher for 33 years and taught music for entire grade levels and also for the entire school before Music Specialists were hired. She belongs to several musical organizations: Professional Carillonneur member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America; member Classical Mandolin Society of America; violist with Sandpoint New Horizons Orchestra and Pend Oreille Chamber Orchestra.
Caren Reiner,
Piano
Caren Reiner was born under the piano, as she often states, and started taking lessons from her mother at an early age. Mrs. Reiner attended the University of Southern California and San Francisco State where she received her Bachelor of Music in Piano. She later received a Masters of Arts in piano performance from Sacramento State. Mrs. Reiner has always loved teaching and had her first job as a teacher when she was only 14. Mrs. Reiner also plays the cello, conducts a woman’s choir and has performed as a vocal soloist in many performances throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mrs. Reiner has been with the Conservatory for over 5 years.
Gosia Szemelak
Piano, Flute, Early Childhood
Gosia Szemelak began piano lessons when she was 9 years old in her hometown in Poland. After 3 years, having developed solid basics in piano, she started taking flute lessons. Flute became her main instrument and she continued piano education alongside flute. She graduated with a piano diploma in high school and later with a piano diploma from the Academy of Music in Cracow.
Gosia currently teaches beginner piano, Early Childhood music classes and is Head of Flute Department at the Music Conservatory.
Heather White, Piano
Ms White and her family moved to Sandpoint from the Seattle area where she operated a full-time piano studio. She taught private and group piano lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds for many years. Her students have performed and competed locally and many have continued piano studies at the collegiate level. Now, Ms. White is quite excited to join MCS as a piano teacher to guide her students as they learn and explore piano techniques and fantastic repertoire. She has always been amazed with the dedication and aspirations of her students and their drive to achieve excellence. Heather has worked with Mr. Mark Salman, Dr. Duane Hulbert, and Dr. Tanya Stambuk. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, piano emphasis, from University of Puget Sound.