I was helping my son last week with his theory work and I told him how my teacher never assigned me any theory work. He looked surprised and I said, “My teacher wasn’t as good of a teacher as Mrs. Holtrop.” And my son said, very emphatically, “Nobody is!!”
— email received from a student's mother :)

One of my favorite gifts ever. still makes me smile :)

I strive to teach students of all ages the skills they need for a lifelong ability to play the music they enjoy.  I currently have 35 students and have been teaching piano and organ in southeast Grand Rapids for 30+ years.  Lessons include a variety of musical styles, theory, technique, technology, activities and games tailored to the needs and likes of each individual student.  

I am a member of the Grand Rapids Piano Teachers Forum, Grand Rapids Musicians League, Michigan Music Teachers Association and National Music Teachers Association.

We’re done already?!
— (my favorite response to the end of a lesson!)

2025 CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Spencer Nichols - GR Musicians League Dinsmore Award competition winner - grades 6-8

Aiden Wang - GR Piano Teachers Forum Scholarship Competition First Runner Up - grades 6-8

Spencer Nichols - GR Piano Teachers Forum Awards Competition winner - Jr 1 Division