Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Renee Bordner
F E A T U R E
Interview with Renee Bordner
Photo credits: Stuart Beeby Photography
How old were you when you started to play the piano?
My aunt was the first to teach me a few songs on her electric organ. Then, when I was 6-years old, my grandparents purchased a Baldwin piano (which I still use for lessons) and I began to take piano lessons with our church music director.
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
I played the clarinet from 5th grade through high school and played the oboe in high school. I also sang in our church youth choir.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
Honestly, I have had many wonderful teachers throughout my life. I truly believe I have learned the most from my students and my own children. I had an elementary school teacher and a high school math teacher who told my parents I would never go to college, let alone receive a master's degree with honors. Those two teachers motivated me more than any other teacher I have encountered and still influence me today. I consider my ability to influence students an honor and choose to only encourage students in my teaching.
How did you make the decision to start Note-worthy Experiences?
My son was entering kindergarten and I could not find a quality teacher who I thought would inspire him, so I started to teach him myself. Soon after, two of my friends asked me to teach their children -- and the rest is history. At that time, I taught 6-8 students a week. But by the time we moved from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, I was teaching 56 students a week! As my wait list grew, I realized the community was missing what I could offer in the line of quality engaging lessons in the convenience of students' homes. My teaching and family life had to be in balance, so bringing other teachers onto the team helped me achieve that balance.
Why the name Note-worthy Experiences?
There is not a significant story or explanation. I simply wanted our lessons and recitals to be more of an "experience" then a task that is crossed off of a list. Our lessons are something more than just learning about the notes. I have always thought that puns are truly fun! Having Note-worthy as a part of the name seemed appropriate since the definition is "interesting, significant or unusual" and of course there is the implication of a musical note. In summary, the studio name is simply a cute way to imply an interesting musical experience. A fun fact: the logo includes my favorite colors and my sorority colors.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
There are many. I love watching our students perform more than performing myself. Our first recital in December 2007 in a beautiful little church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was quite magical because it was the first. Our 2008 recital when both of my parents came was emotional and thrilling. I heard my dad tell a father of one of my students, "Well good luck, you never know where these piano lessons will lead. I am still sitting through Renee's recitals."
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
This is the most intrinsically rewarding career! I love to see the smiles on students' faces when they accomplish a piece they once thought was impossible. I have every single hand written note from every student from 2007 through today because each one is special. The parents who shed proud tears always make me tear up too. The countless thank yous from nursing home residents at our nursing home recitals will never be taken for granted by me. When our teachers tell me about the little "breakthrough" moments with their students, I am exhilarated. Every day is different here. Each lesson with each student is different even if we are working on the same music!
If you could describe yourself in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Hard-working. I grew up in a rural Ohio community with my two parents and my younger brother. My dad worked full-time while helping with the family farm. My mom worked full-time too. During all of this, my parents created a non-profit charity that helps people around the country (and at times around the world). My grandfather worked full-time at a factory and was a full-time farmer. I learned very quickly that success does not happen by accident.
When you’re not teaching, what do you like to do?
Anything with my family! Walking our dogs, gardening and following college football with my family. Although I am a beginner, I do love downhill skiing!
Do you have a retirement goal?
My husbands' parents owned their own business and worked full time until the age of 87. I am inspired by them and believe that staying active keeps people young. I do joke about teaching my fellow nursing home residents piano lessons in a corner of a dining hall someday; I think teaching is what I was put on earth to do. My own children have been told that I will teach their children piano lessons if they stay near me.
Learn more about Renee on her Teacher Page.
My aunt was the first to teach me a few songs on her electric organ. Then, when I was 6-years old, my grandparents purchased a Baldwin piano (which I still use for lessons) and I began to take piano lessons with our church music director.
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
I played the clarinet from 5th grade through high school and played the oboe in high school. I also sang in our church youth choir.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
Honestly, I have had many wonderful teachers throughout my life. I truly believe I have learned the most from my students and my own children. I had an elementary school teacher and a high school math teacher who told my parents I would never go to college, let alone receive a master's degree with honors. Those two teachers motivated me more than any other teacher I have encountered and still influence me today. I consider my ability to influence students an honor and choose to only encourage students in my teaching.
How did you make the decision to start Note-worthy Experiences?
My son was entering kindergarten and I could not find a quality teacher who I thought would inspire him, so I started to teach him myself. Soon after, two of my friends asked me to teach their children -- and the rest is history. At that time, I taught 6-8 students a week. But by the time we moved from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, I was teaching 56 students a week! As my wait list grew, I realized the community was missing what I could offer in the line of quality engaging lessons in the convenience of students' homes. My teaching and family life had to be in balance, so bringing other teachers onto the team helped me achieve that balance.
Why the name Note-worthy Experiences?
There is not a significant story or explanation. I simply wanted our lessons and recitals to be more of an "experience" then a task that is crossed off of a list. Our lessons are something more than just learning about the notes. I have always thought that puns are truly fun! Having Note-worthy as a part of the name seemed appropriate since the definition is "interesting, significant or unusual" and of course there is the implication of a musical note. In summary, the studio name is simply a cute way to imply an interesting musical experience. A fun fact: the logo includes my favorite colors and my sorority colors.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
There are many. I love watching our students perform more than performing myself. Our first recital in December 2007 in a beautiful little church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was quite magical because it was the first. Our 2008 recital when both of my parents came was emotional and thrilling. I heard my dad tell a father of one of my students, "Well good luck, you never know where these piano lessons will lead. I am still sitting through Renee's recitals."
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
This is the most intrinsically rewarding career! I love to see the smiles on students' faces when they accomplish a piece they once thought was impossible. I have every single hand written note from every student from 2007 through today because each one is special. The parents who shed proud tears always make me tear up too. The countless thank yous from nursing home residents at our nursing home recitals will never be taken for granted by me. When our teachers tell me about the little "breakthrough" moments with their students, I am exhilarated. Every day is different here. Each lesson with each student is different even if we are working on the same music!
If you could describe yourself in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Hard-working. I grew up in a rural Ohio community with my two parents and my younger brother. My dad worked full-time while helping with the family farm. My mom worked full-time too. During all of this, my parents created a non-profit charity that helps people around the country (and at times around the world). My grandfather worked full-time at a factory and was a full-time farmer. I learned very quickly that success does not happen by accident.
When you’re not teaching, what do you like to do?
Anything with my family! Walking our dogs, gardening and following college football with my family. Although I am a beginner, I do love downhill skiing!
Do you have a retirement goal?
My husbands' parents owned their own business and worked full time until the age of 87. I am inspired by them and believe that staying active keeps people young. I do joke about teaching my fellow nursing home residents piano lessons in a corner of a dining hall someday; I think teaching is what I was put on earth to do. My own children have been told that I will teach their children piano lessons if they stay near me.
Learn more about Renee on her Teacher Page.