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Welcome to
The Hartley School
My name is Marybeth Wood and I teach piano out of my home studio in Arvada, Colorado. I work with students of all ages and levels, and focus on a holistic approach that prioritizes injury-preventive keyboard technique.
What I care about
What I care about
Whole body
Whole body
I teach with an injury-preventive approach called the Lister-Sink Method that focuses on body awareness, optimal skeletal alignment and efficient muscle use. Playing in a well-coordinated manner frees the pianist to perform expressively and joyfully.
Whole person
Whole person
I emphasize a holistic perspective that includes brain science, emotional awareness and regulation, and psychological principles to engage with and mentor the student primarily as a person as well as a piano student.
Whole life
Whole life
I am astounded at the life skills and lessons that come out of the piano studio or practice room and seek to promote well-rounded musicians that can thrive in many areas of interest.
About me
About me
Marybeth received her Bachelor's of Music in Piano Performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and graduated summa cum laude. While at DU she was the orchestra pianist for the Lamont Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Lawrence Golan. She earned a graduate certificate in Injury-Preventive Keyboard Technique at Salem College in NC in 2025 and soon after became a certified teacher of the Lister-Sink Method. Her teachers include Alice Rybak, Dr. Jamie Grigsby, and Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink.
Marybeth has been teaching for over two decades and has enjoyed a diverse set of students, everyone from young children, high schoolers, adults, and injured pianists. Her students have received awards in local piano competitions and have earned scholarships to study piano performance at college music programs.
In addition to music, Marybeth loves spending time with her husband and five children, baking sourdough, and climbing the peaks of Colorado.
Wallace H. Hartley
Wallace H. Hartley
When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14th, 1012, band director Wallace Henry Hartley, along with the seven other band members abord the ship, rallied together and played songs and hymns to calm the passengers. According to legend, these brave men played Nearer, My God, To Thee, as the ship sank. These eight musicians perished along with the rest of the passengers, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of courage and service. I am a relative of Wallace Hartley and I have always been inspired and deeply moved by his self-sacrifice and how he used his talent to such a noble end.
Testimonials
Testimonials
"All four of my children began learning the piano with Marybeth. What sets her apart as a teacher is that she doesn't just teach how to engage with the instrument, rather she addresses the whole-person experience that is "being a human who is learning." From the beginning, she laid a foundation of emotional well being and attunement that have informed how my children approach learning in general. In addition, the work she has done with injury-prevention methods and her deep understanding of how the body works along with the brain in skill building have given me confidence that my kids won't have to later unlearn potentially harmful habits. Being a learner is hard work and Marybeth brings joy and connection into everything she does, expanding the practice of musical education into a disposition of lifetime curiosity." - J
"I earnestly recommend Marybeth as a piano teacher! Prior to lessons with her, I'd been suffering from chronic arm pain, and had stopped playing piano altogether. Now, after ~1.5 years of our lessons with a focus on injury preventative technique, I feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility at the keyboard. Marybeth has a warm and patient presence, and works with me to tailor our lessons towards my personal goals and limitations while recovering from injury. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work together." - S
"We are incredibly grateful for Marybeth's approach to piano instruction. I am thrilled that my children are learning to play in a healthy, holistic way that will sustain them throughout their lives! Not only does she employ injury-prevention techniques, but she also makes lessons enjoyable and engaging, meeting my kids at their developmental and emotional levels." - J
"During my nearly 13 years of lessons with Marybeth, she has been constantly patient, compassionate, and understanding. She fostered my love for music and made me look forward to lessons each week; not only to learn music but to enjoy time with her as well. Her passion for music and helping others makes her an inspiring teacher and role model." - R
"Our daughters thoroughly enjoyed every piano lesson with Marybeth. Over the course of a year, their knowledge and skills advanced noticeably, and they especially delighted in participating in recitals. Marybeth is exceptionally patient, kind, and consistently meets her students where they are in their musical journey. We couldn’t be happier with our experience—highly recommended!" - B
Contact Me
Contact Me
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