Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Reisinger.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Jenny, I am not quite sure if this is what you are looking for-if not I can redo this. I am not the greatest at this sort of thing:) Christopher will also submit his interview too. We weren’t sure if we should do it together or alone.
When I was very young, my dad always played guitar, he even did some playing for the local radio station. Him and his army buddies also played for a promotional video/song for Company G. Dad and his friends would often have jam sessions at our house. Together they played—guitar, accordion, bass etc. I was enthralled with the music and the beat but sad that I wasn’t included in the sessions.
I heard a piano player for the first time when I was 4-5ish seeing my first piano player on our old black and white TV (I think it was Liberace.) From that moment, I knew piano was the only thing I wanted to pursue.
However, owning piano or taking lessons wasn’t within reach for my family at the time. When we moved off the farm and into Valley City, I met some girls who took piano lessons. I would beg them to let me sit in on their lessons, and then I would soak up as much as I could. My parents knowing that I wanted to learn piano but not being able to afford one-decided to get me a small accordion. To this day, I am so grateful to them for all they did for me, knowing there was no money. They enrolled me with a local accordion player for lessons. It wasn’t quite what I was hoping for but it had keys and resembled a keyboard. I only took a few lessons with her but that gave me enough information to keep going. When I was in my late junior year of high school, I had worked hard to save up for a used old catalog upright grand piano that a local man, Chuck Schelkopf was selling for $100. That doesn’t seem like much money but back then to me and my family, it was a fortune. With help from my parents, we finally made the purchase. It took a team effort—my dad, several uncles, and friends—to haul the 750+-pound piano into my bedroom. Once it was there, I never stopped playing!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! Besides the financial difficulties, Finding a teacher was another challenge. The main piano teacher in town- Mrs. Tjon wouldn’t take me on, saying I was too old (I was almost in my senior year.) Even my school counselor (an excellent pianist in her own right.) doubted my prospects, telling me I couldn’t go to college for music because of my advanced age and that I’d never pass an audition. She also told me that pianists are serious musicians and that the majority of them started piano at four or five years old. But I didn’t let that stop me. I briefly studied with one of Mrs. Tjon’s best students, but within a couple months she didn’t feel comfortable teaching the level of songs I had gotten to. Eventually, Mrs. Tjon accepted me, and my journey continued from there. Once I was accepted into music school I was practicing 6-8 hours a day in addition to all the college requirements. This practicing was a good share for my own accomplishments, but I was also accompanying several other musicians. Later on, I also played for Choirs, bands, special groups and talent shows etc.
A side note- At the City-wide Teachers party. they had asked me to play solo background piano for the event. While there, I was also playing for two choirs, band, a renaissance instrument group as well as a handbell choir. The highlight of my day was when my old high school counsellor came up to me and told me she was happy I didn’t take her advice!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the years, I’ve not only performed but also taught aspiring musicians, passing on the lessons I learned from my own unconventional start. and how I progressed so rapidly. My journey has taken me to places I never imagined, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to inspire others through music. Looking back, I realize that those humble beginnings and the obstacles I overcame are what make my story unique—and hopefully, inspiring to others who are just starting out.
As I grew my music school-I continued to learn, year after year and I kept adding to my knowledge. I trained in Kindermusick, Wonderkeys, I learned of an instructor at St. Could State U who studied with the fabulous Dorothy Taubman. She made a method of how to play pain free for musicians. I talked him into putting on a class for others to go to. Unfortunately, it lasted for only a short time due to people not wanting to drive that far. I joined in Minnesota Music teachers’ association where I have had the opportunity to enroll students into events with great success. I also became a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher (NCTM) and, I took the adjudicator training and became a judge for MMTA. In my spare time, I took jazz improvisation and classical piano for many years at McPhail.
I also joined MTNA, Music teachers national association, (NFMC) National Federation of Music Clubs, later on I joined (AVMTA) Apple Valley Music Teachers association, (SSMTA) South Suburban Music Teachers Association I have adjudicated for others also. I have continued to take online courses, In Rock, Jazz, Improvisation etc. I have always felt students of any age, abilities etc. should have a chance to learn an instrument. I have taught many people who have learning disabilities or other behaviors, Hearing problems. In one case I taught a deaf individual. I have taught several blind students. I always want to try and will do my best to teach them all.
I also coach other teachers who want to open their own studios. We work on how to organize programs studio setup etc.
My partner Chris, has really taken the studio to the next level by having his students and/or siblings of his students play with each other in rock band etc.
In addition to lessons our studio also creates music theory games, sheet music arrangements, & other music items to share with our students and others.
Meet My Co-Owner
I am incredibly fortunate to share this journey with my co-owner—my son—whose musical gifts and passion for teaching have shaped the heart of our conservatory. From his earliest years, music was a constant companion. He began his musical path with piano lessons at home, quickly displaying a natural affinity for rhythm and melody. His curiosity led him to the drums, soon after, he taught himself guitar.
What sets him apart is not just his multi-instrumental talent, but his deep understanding of music theory and his remarkable ability to share that knowledge with others. As a teacher, he is endlessly patient, creative, and insightful qualities that inspire both beginners and advanced students alike. His lessons are known for their clarity, encouragement, and the way he adapts to each student’s unique learning style.
I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Side Note: Hopefully Chris can give you our other social media sites.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
After obtaining my bachelors degree from Valley City State University, & Masters Degree from Moorhead State University, I decided I would move to Minneapolis. There, I felt would be a place where I could do everything I wanted to do.
Once there, besides being lost a good share of time.
(To learn where everything in the twin cities was, I would purposely “get lost” and find my way back home.) I first took a job with Vissers Baldwin pianos. They had asked me to teach lessons in student’s homes to people, who had purchased Baldwin pianos, That sounds great, but the pay was poor, and I wasn’t able to continue teaching for them. I needed to increase my income. I began driving around the areas I wanted to teach in White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Shoreview, Stillwater North Oaks, etc. and going door to door handing out flyers. Fortunately, right about that time a met a woman from Dellwood (Kris) who had gotten my flyer and wanted me to teach her & her son. Kris knew everyone. With all of her referrals, before I knew it, I had a full schedule! Kris was also an amazing host. She often had parties at her house. They were from large to small. I was asked to provide piano background, sing-along and various music for many of her events. Her house at Christmas was seen featured in a magazine. (I believe it was better homes and Gardens.) She also gave tours of her house during the holidays. She always had at least 17-19 Christmas trees! I often played for the tours and groups she invited to tour her house. She even asked me to play at her church (House of Hope Church in St. Paul.) and nursing homes.
Another interesting moment came when I was coming home from a party I played at in Stillwater, My old car broke down on highway 36 right in front of a music store named Hendrick’s pianos. Of course, when I saw the music store, I knew that was where I had to go for help. The only thing holding me back was a tall wire freeway fence to get over. There were no exits right there, so I chose to climb over. Since I was just performing, I was dressed to the nines! Satin blouse 4” high metal heels and my fancy dress pants! Nevertheless, I climbed over. What I didn’t know at the time was the people inside the music store were watching me! Needless to say, after much laughter, they provided many years of referrals to me and they offered me a % of any students I sent to them who purchased a piano. Better yet, At the store, Bob Riley the Roland rep introduced me to the ROLAND digital piano products. from that day on Roland is the only digital piano I have ever recommended.
From those early days, my passion for music has shaped every step of my career. What started as a dream in my bedroom grew into a lifelong pursuit. I’ve had the privilege of performing in a variety of venues, collaborating with talented musicians, and sharing my love for piano with audiences both large and small. I played for tasting bees, fashion shows, musicals, lounges, many private parties, The store manager at Byerlys, Mike McNeil helped me out by hiring me for many 7-8 hour days year after year-during the holidays. I also played at Many churches, weddings, funerals fundraisers, senior citizens choirs, children’s choirs. I even played in a biker bar!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://reisingerconservatoryofmusic.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-reisinger-64949515
