About
Dr Kathy Winston & Piano Program
Founder of Piano Program
Dr Kathy Winston
Hello! I am Kathy – a passionate piano and music theory teacher, piano pedagogy specialist and entrepreneur.
I hold three degrees in music, including a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano pedagogy, and have taught music at the university level and privately. I am also the founder and past director of Velocity Music Academy in Cedar Park, a business that I owned from 2010-2020.
The Creation of Piano Program
During my career as a university professor, I realized that many students were not adequately prepared for college music theory. I therefore began developing online music theory courses for grades 1-12, to provide instruction in a clear, concise, and consistent manner.
I integrated this program at Velocity Music Academy, allowing my employees to efficiently teach our 350+ pre-college students in a flipped classroom method.
Seeing the incredible security of music theory knowledge in our own students, I opened the courses to students and teachers around the world in 2018.
In 2020, I expanded my business to include pedagogy training for teachers, providing resources, courses, and consultations.
Entrepreneurship
My knowledge of business ownership and pedagogy expertise has led me to consult with music schools and music teachers alike, allowing them to streamline their business and studios to create a thriving and successful career.
My other ‘Loves’
My other passions include gardening, gluten free cooking, spending time with my two children, and hiking in Austin, TX with Clover, my mini-Australian Shepherd.
Education
✔️ BM Piano Performance: Trinity University
✔️ MM Piano Performance: Southern Methodist University
✔️ DMA Piano Pedagogy: University of Texas-Austin
Associations & Memberships
✔️ MTNA – Music Teachers National Association
✔️ RCM – Royal Conservatory of Music Adjudicator & Certified Teacher
✔️ NCTM – Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
2021-2022 ADMTA Teacher of the Year.
Piano Program
Values, Mission & Vision
Values
Inclusive and Accessible Learning
Piano Program is dedicated to bringing accessible and affordable online piano and music theory courses to all learning types. The inclusive instruction is clear and concise, ensuring successful compression to every student. Parents can be reassured that their child is gaining the knowledge needed for future academic success.
Mission
Time Efficient Instruction
My mission is two-fold: The Piano Program courses and resources are intended to save teachers time and energy, providing the tools to teach in new and effective ways. Students who enroll in a music theory course are guaranteed one academic year of knowledge and instruction taught through videos, workbooks, and interactive assignments.
Vision
Creating Music Teacher Entrepreneurs
My vision is to bring my pedagogy expertise, university training, and knowledge of owning a business into helping others achieve their dream career, studio, and business. Pedagogy training + business skills = a successful career path for those who love the profession of teaching music.
Subscribe
From My Blog
Nurturing Creativity
Have you ever wondered WHY the study of piano and music theory is so important for children? This week, on one of my long walks with my dog, I was listening to a podcast that...
Why I Created my Music Theory Courses
There's a story behind the "why!"They say, hindsight is 20/20. Or using another verbal example, sometimes it's hard to see where we are going until we stop and look to see where...
Music Theory Success Story
From Beginner to Level 6 in nine months! One common question that I get from teachers about the Piano Program Music Theory Courses is ‘what level do I place my students into?’...