Instructor Carrie Clement

For thirty years, Carrie has been helping students understand, enjoy and make music at the piano. With a gentle but firm approach, she emphasizes hard work, doing one’s best, and having fun all at the same time. From the earliest levels of music up through more difficult literature, she challenges students to musical and personal excellence.

Carrie earned a B.A. in Music from Iowa State University in 1997 and has been teaching piano ever since, first in Iowa, and then in her hometown of Camden, Maine. In West Des Moines, IA, Carrie taught group piano classes at Keyboard West Studios. Since moving back to Maine, she has taught in her home studio, Rising Star Piano. For several summers, Carrie and colleague Vanessa Ellis directed the popular Rising Star Piano Camps in the Camden area.

Carrie is an active member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) and MaineMTA, for which she has served as a board member. She regularly networks with other teachers and seeks educational opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Carrie is the primary pianist at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Camden, providing service music as well as accompanying vocalists. She directed the choir for several years though she now serves as its accompanist.

Carrie’s Philosophy

Balance

A delicate balance of fun and learning is the goal of each lesson. People are supposed to “PLAY” the piano, right?! At Rising Star, Carrie helps students develop a love for music through understanding, skill, and personal success. Students gain knowledge through their engaging curriculum studies and apply it in music that suits their own interests.

Comprehension

Carrie believes students should actually understand what they are doing! She carefully chooses music to promote step-by-step learning. She honors each student’s strengths while gently focusing on their weaknesses to inspire complete confidence.

Excellence

Carrie challenges each student to rise to their highest level of achievement. For some, this may be playing correct notes and rhythms with basic technique. Others may be able to develop advanced techniques, intricate phrasing, and a unique artistic voice. Carrie helps all students maximize their individual musical potential.

Personal Growth

Carrie encourages character development in her students in addition to simply teaching them music. Piano study is a fantastic opportunity to learn self-discipline, perseverance, self-worth, time management, focus, and collaborative skills.