Kathryn D Fries

Andy M
Grand Rapids, MI

I took lessons from Kathy through my sophomore year of high school back in the 90s. She was an amazing teacher—firm but loving, instilling in me a love for all kinds of music. She understood that piano lessons weren't just about learning notes, but about understanding music, feeling it, interpreting it, analyzing it, and most of all loving it. Because of the musical training I got from Kathy, I was accepted to a conservatory of music, and I am now an accomplished musician on many different instruments and in many different styles. I even use her as an example in my career as a publishing and editorial consultant when I am training writers working on their art. Almost twenty years later, Kathy is still one of the most important influences in my life.