A collective of music educators fostering the highest levels of artistry and well-being amongst East Texas music students.
Kaden Larson began playing piano at age three as a therapeutic activity to help fight his Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. What began as a trial soon became a triumph and a calling. An avid solo recitalist and collaborative pianist, Larson is also a founding member of the Ensign Piano Quartet and the consonari ensemble project. Larson recently released his first CD, Phantasium, on the KNS Classical label. As a Professor of Piano & Music at Tyler Junior College, Larson enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities. Visit kadenlarsonpiano.com for bookings, concert schedule, and more.
Chelsye Newland is a local piano and clarinet private lesson teacher in the Tyler area. She was a band director for nine years and quit after her second daughter was born to stay home full time. Chelsye has a double major in bachelor’s in music education and piano performance. She also has a degree with an emphasis on woodwind specialist. In December of 2024, she will graduate with her master’s in music education. Chelsye is passionate about music all while being available for her and her husbands growing family. Lastly, she has played for weddings, school UIL performances and churches.
Emily Finstad has worked in many different career fields during her teenage and adult years, but has taught private piano lessons for over a decade and has now settled into her role as a full time private piano teacher in the Flint area. She is also a full time stay at home mom to two toddlers that keep her on her toes! Emily has a Bachelors of Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance from The University of Texas at Tyler where she studied under Vicki Conway. Emily loves collaborative music at all levels, from accompanying middle school solo and ensemble students to college recitals, collaboration brings an added level of joy to playing.
Vanessa Chisler was born and raised in Daingerfield, Texas, where she began piano study at the age of 8. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College and a Bachelors of Arts in Music degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. She also holds a Texas State Educator Certificate for All Level Music. An active member of ETMTA since 2006, Vanessa has held many positions including Librarian, Publicity Chair, Achievement Auditions Chair, Student Affiliate/Theory Chair, Website co-chair/Historian, Fall Festival Chair, Vice President and President. Vanessa has also served as an ensemble director and delegate for the TMTA convention. Vanessa maintains a home studio in Lindale offering lessons for ages 5 to adult which include, but are not limited to, music theory, functional skills (sight- reading, harmonization, etc), repertoire, and technique. She also offers online lessons and teaches students as far away as Alaska. In addition to teaching, Vanessa enjoys adjudicating for local festivals and events. Vanessa lives in Lindale with her husband Jeff, son Austin, and dogs.
Suzanne studied music at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX. Her continuing education includes online courses from Berklee School of Music earning a Professional Certificate in advanced rhythm, theory, composition, Finale, CuBase Pro, and other Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Her passion for her students is to equip them to play, read, create, and arrange the music that motivates them. Her private studio, Sunshine Piano Studio and Sunrise Music, is located in Combine, TX, with students hailing from Combine, Crandall, Kaufman, Forney, and Terrell.