About

A little about Darrell…

After teaching elementary music and band in the public schools of Franklin County, Kansas for 47 years, I retired in June, 2020. During those 47 years, I have also continuously taught private music lessons in my home studio. In addition, I am the Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, KS. I am in charge of planning the music program, playing piano for services as well as directing two choirs. Since 1976, I have also been involved with barbershop choruses both as an associate director and director and have been a member of numerous quartets. Currently I am singing with Central Standard Chorus in Kansas City. Our chorus has placed 2nd and 3rd place in recent International chorus competitions and were invited to perform in Europe in the summer of 2018.

I graduated from Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS in 1973 with a degree in music education. My major performance area was piano with an emphasis in vocal music. In 1985, I completed my master’s degree in music education from The University of Kansas. My master’s thesis was Developing a Beginning Piano Method for Teaching in an Electronic Piano Laboratory.

My goal is to personalize a music lesson that is designed around each student’s learning style, skill level, schedule and interests. My specialty is in teaching elementary age students, but I have taught all ages, including adults through the years. I always welcome new challenges, and teaching via Zoom has been surprisingly successful.