Mrs. Ann Dotter Shurtz

Ann Dotter Shurtz graduated from Oklahoma City University, summa cum laude, in biology and music; earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Oklahoma; and continued post-graduate work at Brigham Young University for two years. She has continued to study music at the Aspen School of Music, the Dorothy Taubman Institute, private Taubman teachers, and through continuing education in Suzuki piano pedagogy and the VoiceCare Institute. Most recently, her mentor has been Gloria Whitney, concert pianist with the Eaken Piano Trio and teacher of the Whiteside method.

Mrs. Shurtz taught music theory at the University of Oklahoma and BYU for four years and has conducted choirs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for many years. She maintains an active piano studio of approximately 60 students, and has taught piano for over 35 years. Her students participate in the National Guild Auditions, where many have earned prestigious awards, including Early Bach medals, Advanced Bach medals, Sonatina medals, Sonata medals, Paderewski medals, and many have been Five- and Ten-year National Winners. Her four daughters studied two instruments with the Suzuki method and she now teaches piano to four of her grandchildren. Mrs. Shurtz loves developing musical ability, intelligence, character, discipline, and self-confidence in children and strengthening love and mutual respect between parents and their children through the study of music.