Whitlock Piano Studio

2026 Muncie Area PlayOff Recital:

Two WPS students entered…and they both left with distinctions (and some cash!) 😎

Congrats to our state representatives in 5-6 Classical, 5-6 Non-Classical, and 5-6 Duet! 🕺💃

Come see these two - and many more young musicians - at our studio recital tomorrow. 🎶

Jonah appreciation post! 📸

I’ve tried to write this for several months…but I’m historically TERRIBLE at student goodbyes and this is no exception.

Now that he’s officially moved into his dorm and his name is nowhere to be seen on my fall teaching schedule, I guess it’s time. 🥹

Jonah originally came to me as a freshman in my piano pedagogy course for teens, and soon found his way onto my weekly student roster.

Because the studio was otherwise full, we hatched an unconventional plan for Jonah to come for 1-hour lessons *before* school, starting at 6:30am.

📣Special shout-outs to his family AND mine for *all* that went into making that happen for three years (!)

…I don’t know many teenage boys who are willing to be at their piano teacher’s house at 6:30am every Tuesday morning…

After three years, he upgraded to an 8:15am lesson slot instead (and all members of the Whitlock and Smith families rejoiced). 😇

Admittedly, I feel a little ripped-off because I only got Jonah for four years…but we definitely made the most of our time together.

Helping a hard-working, servant-hearted, big-dreamer of a student like Jonah discern which of the MANY directions he could take his musical passions was pure Piano Teacher Joy.

Young musicians are *often* saddled with the choice between what they COULD pursue and what they SHOULD pursue (at an earlier age than many other folks). This will be Jonah’s plight for life.

There are many who can attest to Jonah’s musical giftings, but I feel especially fortunate to have witnessed it all on such a granular level.

Jonah is also my first student who was simultaneously my colleague AND my pupil. We talked about teaching almost as much as we talked about performing. He built a nice reputation as a young teacher in the area, hosting lovely recitals and entering students in local events. 🎶

One thing is certain: My Tuesday mornings will never be the same.

There is still much for him to learn, but I know he is ready to take it on. Best wishes as classes start this week at Taylor! 💟

WPS was well-represented at today’s State Indiana Arts Festival competition! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Congrats to Abby, Emma, and Sophia for earning their invitation to play today… and for performing with such grace under pressure.

EXTRA accolades to Emma for being awarded second place in her division today. 🤩

There are SO MANY young people doing incredible things the public-at-large knows nothing about.

It’s a privilege to witness and celebrate jobs so very well-done. 🎶

Onward and upward! 🪽

…still celebrating these all-star performers from Sunday’s recital!

Congratulations to David and Oslo for 5 years of WPS achievements. 🏅

Congratulations to me for holding it together (re: not crying my eyes out) when recognizing Jonah, our graduating senior. 🤣

Thanks to Christina Smith for her photography and to EVERYONE who came and enjoyed 1 hour and 22 minutes of great live music with us this past week. 🎶

Recitals bring out ALL the feelings and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this studio community.

Each student and every family member makes WPS what it is. What an honor to be part of it all. 🤍

Check out this talented crew at Muncie Area Play-Offs this morning! 😍

The annual post-festival photo 📸

To be honest, I almost didn’t stage it this year, but it *is* fun to see physical representations of hard work.

The longer I teach, the less I care about trophies and ribbons. This isn’t *at all* what music is about.

Some of those red “excellent” ribbons were harder-won than the many blue “superior” ribbons.

My satisfaction comes through the efforts and growth of each person who chooses to sit across from me every 7 days of their life.

The things that make my students impressive cannot be seen in 5 minutes or less, or scored on a rating sheet.

It’s the work. The experimentation. The vulnerability. The willingness to try.

As I look upon this showing of trophies and ribbons, I am glad to see the players’ efforts rewarded, but…

I know the whole story and it’s SO MUCH BETTER than this photo represents. ♥️

To my 24 students who participated in Indiana Arts Festival this year: I am inspired by you.

To the 5 of you who were chosen to play in the Judge’s choice recital - Elijah, Emma, Nico, Calvin, and Anna: I am thrilled your work was acknowledged in such a special way.

To my 16 students who did not participate, you still show up and prove yourself every week, and I am grateful you are here.

IAF 2025 was another great experience, with many stories of triumph I will look back on with a smile.

As we ALL kick off a hard-earned 2-week break, we pat ourselves on the backs and celebrate the work of EVERYONE in the studio.

Each of you make my world a better place. Thanks for being here. 🥰🎶🎹