Susan's Bio
Big Time Music’s piano instructor began her formal piano education when she was four years old. She ultimately found her mentor at age eight in Rica Owen Moore. Mrs. Moore was an extremely accomplished pianist, vocalist, composer, and actress. She worked for Walt Disney in the mid 1960’s writing & singing many pieces with Jiminy Cricket on record albums highlighting addition, subtraction and multiplication tables. Mrs. Moore was also the lead vocalist for the Ray Conniff Orchestra for many years and acted in several movies. She also invented the “Bunny Hop” and would have been on the cover of Life Magazine, but was bumped out by the presidential election of Eisenhower!
Susan focused on classical music as a student, but also learned the styles of boogie woogie, ragtime, jazz and popular music. She studied with Mrs. Moore formally for 12 years and remained very close to her until her passing in 1999.
Throughout her middle and high school years, Susan accompanied all of the school choirs and many vocalists in solo ensemble competitions. While attending the UW Madison, she composed, choreographed and directed two 20 minute musical skits that were performed in the university's Memorial theatre. Susan has and continues to provide music for weddings and private parties. Once or twice a year she can be found at local venues singing with partner Mark Olson while he plays classic standards on his guitar.
In the early 1980’s Susan lived in Duxbury, MA and became a member of the prestigious Duxbury Bay Players. She played the lead female role in “Sly Fox”, and also produced and had a cameo appearance in the musical “Sweet Charity." After returning to Madison, Susan directed several high school musicals at Madison East and produced “Little Shop of Horrors” for the Stoughton Village Players.
Susan has been teaching piano for five years. Beginning students learn all the basics of reading music, counting beats and coordination skills. Continuing students learn to refine their skills and techniques. All students are exposed to many different styles of music. Susan instills the importance of routine practicing to increase the student’s skills and encourages parents to be involved in listening to their children play.
