Anna's unique background...

I will begin with telling you how I came to the lifelong passion for the piano...my grandmother, piano teacher and Roger Williams.  Listening to my grandmother play piano caught my attention to the sound and resonance.  I was drawn to the instrument.  I asked my parents for piano lessons and they placed me with Mrs. Mauderli, Gainesville, FL.  My instruction under her impeccable tutelage for ten years prepared me to enter the piano performance program at Santa Fe College.  Throughout these formative years I listened to Roger Williams L.P., Greatest Piano Works over and over.  I was enamored with his musicality even as a young student and tended to style my playing after him.

As a young married mother of two it became increasingly difficult to continue performing so I began serving in the local church as their main pianist for most services.  This opportunity brought a new dimension to my piano education as the primary genre was praise music.  The new style of worship music called for reading lead sheets and chord charts.  I was eager to learn how to play more by ear than read sheet music.  As a classically trained pianist this was a challenge!  Versatility and ability to play within different genres was gained but I always maintained my classical pianistic skills.  

In 1984 I began a piano teaching studio with 30 students and grew to over 60 students a week!  I have a passion to teach the art of piano playing.  Most interesting I have found teaching helped "fine tune" my own skills!  Each student is unique and our primary focus is to educate them in the way that speaks...some need strict curriculum and others a variety.  As you are called to this heart warming, gratifying career I give you one thought:  keep learning, attend Master Classes, take musical risks.  As you do, you will discover just how wide and deep this exceptional instrument gives to us!

During the late 80's until now I perform at music festivals, recitals, studio recording, private events and church services.  The joy of playing music has stayed with me and I thank those who supported my passion!

I would love the opportunity to be a part of your musical journey!

Anna DeProspero-Smith
St. Augustine, FL
706-326-1188