Alix-Michel was five years old when he walked into his first lesson with Ms. Renea. He’s twelve now. In those seven years, I have watched him grow not just as a musician, but as a young man — and so much of that growth has her fingerprints on it.

Ms. Renea has a rare gift. She makes every child feel seen, capable, and genuinely proud of their progress. Her positive reinforcement isn’t hollow praise, it’s the kind that sticks, that builds real confidence over time. Her feedback is honest and thoughtful, and she has an incredible instinct for knowing exactly what a student needs to hear in any given moment. Alix-Michel has always left his lessons standing a little taller.

When I asked Alix-Michel what he loves most about Ms. Renea, he didn’t hesitate. He talked about how much effort and time she puts into each of her students, how much fun they have together in lessons, and how much he loves learning the different strategies she teaches for technique and fingering. Hearing him say that told me everything.

He has performed in recitals and competed in festivals, earning superior marks along the way. But the results, as impressive as they are, aren’t what move me most. What moves me is watching him sit down at a piano and lose himself in the music; Ms. Renea has so much to do with that.

We are so grateful she has been part of his journey. If you are looking for a teacher who will truly invest in your child, not just their technique, but their joy — look no further.

Renea Duelm taught my five children piano for a total of nearly twenty years. Her expertise is rivaled only by her patience and her love of her craft. 

Thanks to the grounding in music theory and piano performance he received from Renea, one of my sons continued on to become a professional musician, mastering multiple instruments and building a thriving career in Nashville. 

Renea has a remarkable ability to tailor pieces to each student’s interests, demanding they improve their skills and explore different genres, while simultaneously allowing them to accomplish this with pieces they think are fun. She can engage even the most reluctant student.  

I learned a great deal from her interaction with her students – always giving positive feedback before suggesting improvement. 

She is a skilled musician and a dedicated educator.  She is the perfect balance of encouragement and correction. And she can teach those with recreational ambitions just as diligently as those who may have professional aspirations.  

Renea Duelm has been teaching our son Adrian for seven years. She has guided him from his very first notes to the pianist he is today, earning recognition in numerous state and regional competitions. She consistently finds the right materials and approach to support his growth at every stage.

She strikes an exceptional balance between structured, disciplined instruction and a more relaxed, enjoyable approach to playing, which keeps students motivated and engaged.

When our younger son Nico was ready to begin his piano journey, there was no question who we wanted by his side every step of the way.

We truly cannot recommend her highly enough.

Ms. Duelm has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. She taught me piano when I was growing up, and years later, I found myself returning to her as an adult because no other teacher ever matched the warmth and encouragement she brought to every lesson. She has this rare ability to make you feel both supported and challenged in the best way, and she always seemed to know exactly how to bring out the musician I didn’t yet see in myself. Learning with her shaped not just my playing, but my confidence, and I’m genuinely grateful for the time we spent together at the piano.