Devin Ligtelyn
Director/Instructor
I graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Music 1986. I have been teaching piano ever since I was 12. I was considered a child prodigy, playing everything on the piano I heard. I started formal lessons at 5, too young for me and too structured since I could already play just about everything I heard by ear.
At 10 I started playing violin - a love I never anticipated. My mom wanted me to take because I had good pitch recognition. I played violin in various youth and college orchestras, and ensembles during the Christmas season. I also played duets with my sister piano and violin) for small and large private parties. There is nothing quite like ensemble music and performance. It completely absorbs and fills the soul, and brings joy to so many. Further along I began playing piano and organ, and singing in weddings from ages 16-24. Wedding music was joyful and quite grandiose. It had to be perfect because there were no second chances!
Playing classical piano all of my life, at 25, I became intrigued with jazz and improvisation. Wow, how did those musicians play some of those runs? I began taking jazz piano, enjoying it, but never really excelling in it. Jazz violin was a different story--because it was not my primary instrument, it was much easier to improvise jazz tunes, so I practiced until my fingers hurt. I never actually played jazz violin in front of an audience, but some other formidable jazz musicians thought I had some raw talent.
At some point, even though I loved the expression and soulfulness of music, I wanted to expand in other professional and personal endeavours. The list is rather funny because it seems all unrelated, but people are multi-faceted and complex.
So, in the early 90's I went into business with my younger sister as an electrologist while still practicing jazz. I later moved to Washington, DC for a much needed change and worked for a wonderful lady there. Jazz and culture abound in DC. I was exposed to so much talent, it was gripping and I found I had a lot to learn in this new arena. After 4 years back east I returned to California with a new interest in studying psychology. Marriage and pregnancy followed closely thereafter including a beautiful stepdaughter Noel, whom I dearly love. I decided to put all formal studying on the shelf for a while. Everything had to take a back-seat to my new beautiful son Daniel. He became the best work I had ever done!
Before having children, I was introduced to Music Together by a friend and teacher. It was wonderful, sophisticated children's music! Quite frankly, I had never seen anything like it. It was challenging and enjoyable to the parents, too. I also agreed with the philosophy of the program, that music should be a basic life skill and that all children are musical. I believe that children should be exposed to music in infancy just like they are exposed to primary and sometimes second languages. After all, they learn these skills without formally having to be taught. What a great gift to give a child!
After the birth of my second son Michael Nathan and another complete and precious joy! I stopped working for a while and did not return until he turned two. Then, we went to Music Together Classes and I once again taught part-time while becoming licensed in life insurance and loans. It was all mixed up, but very educational!
At this point, becoming a single parent, it became time for me to contribute more fully to the family income. I have been with MT since 2001 and now in 2007, have started the path of Director! I am so excited about this! Business and Music and my beloved Motherhood, what a great combination! I look forward to touching many lives with this fantastic program.
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