NVMS new hires made meet growing demand for music instruction

North Valley Music School launches 2022 with three new hires to meet the growing demand for music education. D'andre Conant, Eunhwa "Katie" Park, and Chloe Cheff were all welcomed to the faculty roster of the music school in January. As a result, NVMS can offer more lessons in violin and piano, and the public is encouraged to enroll.

Conant was born in Kalispell and started his professional journey with NVMS as their first intern. He began playing the piano at 10 years old, and at 13 began studying classical piano with Melanie Monsour at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design for two years. After returning to Montana, he studied under Dan Kohnstamm at the North Valley Music School, taking part in recitals and placing second in the state round MTNA senior piano competition.

“D’Andre is a great musician who has taken the steps to develop his musicianship both on a personal and professional level,” says NVMS Executive Director Deidre Corson. “From lessons, to internship, to teaching… we hope others are inspired and motivated by his path. We also know his students will have fun and learn a lot in his lessons.”

Eunhwa “Katie” Park is originally from Seoul, South Korea, and has been living in Kalispell since 2012. After moving to Montana, she pursued her passion for piano and obtained both her Bachelor’s degree in music studies with piano emphasis and a Master’s in piano performance. She also received the Pi Kappa Lambda graduate award from the University of Montana. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Montana State Music Teachers Association.

“I believe that one of the greatest ways to share music is teaching,” says Park. ”I’m excited to pass the enjoyment of music onto others here at North Valley Music School.”

Chloe Cheff became immersed in violin as a 4-year-old through a Suzuki program in Illinois. Her formal training continued as a violin student at Belmont University in Nashville. She studied under some amazing teachers such as Allison Gooding and Tammy King, a fiddler from the Steeldrivers. Chloe moved to Montana and continued her violin studies at FVCC where she studied under Wai Mizutani and graduated with an Associate in arts degree. She has been teaching private lessons for years and enjoys the challenge and joy of modeling correct and energetic playing. Chloe plays professionally with a fiddling band and enjoys playing violin for church worship. She has played violin with the glacier Symphony since 2018. Chloe Is Suzuki book 1 certified with more certifications planned for this summer.

Other music professionals interested in teaching at North Valley Music School are welcome to contact the office to request to be added to their prospective instructor file. Even if the music school is not in need of a particular type of instructor at the moment, NVMS will likely be soon. NVMS keeps all prospective teacher information on file and refers to it when posting available positions.

Prospective students interested in private lessons can email info@northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074. Scholarships are available. Registration tools and more details about all of the talented NVMS Faculty can be found at northvalleymusicschool.org/faculty-staff/

North Valley Music School is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching communities through music education, appreciation, and performance. NVMS provides quality instruction to students of all ages, strives to be a leader in music education and excellence, and seeks innovative ways to make music part of everyday lives through performance. To learn more, visit their website at www.northvalleymusicschool.org