Testimonials

Anthony K.

"Dr. Kay Etheridge is a distinguished pianist and teacher who has had an immeasurable impact on the landscape of San Diego music education. For over three decades, she taught as a Professor of Music at the University of San Diego, and continues to be a revered private piano teacher in La Jolla. I was extremely fortunate to have met her as a young student when I needed expert guidance in order to prepare for college piano auditions. Dr. Etheridge’s unwavering support and artistic insight propelled me to embark on a journey of becoming a professional musician. I can’t imagine a better teacher for a young musician who might be looking for technical and artistic excellence in their piano playing. Above all, I value Dr. Etheridge’s innate ability to teach with warmth, care, and a profound love for music."

- Anthony Kim (artist-pianist, piano and violin instructor, conductor at San Diego Youth
Symphony)

Victor L.

"What a privilege it was for me to study with Kay Etheridge during my last two years of college. These were years of phenomenal growth as Dr. Etheridge taught me new music concepts that enriched my ability to communicate at the piano. She was instrumental in helping me grow as a pianist and musician, including the development of more physical freedom to enhance the tone I produced, and learning the importance of shaping a musical line and voicing/balancing to create a meaningful musical texture. Decades later, I now continue to be grateful for her belief in me and for her encouragement in my pursuit of graduate school. Long after our time together, she has, over the years, continued to be a great encourager and friend."

- Victor Labenske, DMA (Professor of Music

Point Loma Nazarene University)

Tuan-Viet N.

"I would like to dedicate this year’s #NationalTeachersDay, which coincidentally is also the anniversary of my senior recital, to the person without whom it would not have been possible. Dr. Etheridge, with you I was able to pursue my passion of classical piano at USD, making it the best four years of my entire academic career. You elevated it into an experience beyond my wildest dreams and imagination. From the bottom of my heart, I truly thank you. I’m so terribly sorry I couldn’t make it to your retirement concert this past Sunday; I’m even sorrier for future USD pianists who will miss out on the privilege of your guidance."

Michael & Mai H.

"Dear Kay, Thank you so much for everything you've taught Maven and Makenna, not just piano techniques but also life skills and the love of music. Thank you for your guidance, patience, and flexibility."

Makenna H.

"Dear Ms. Kay, Thank you so much for being such an amazing teacher, mentor, and inspiration these past 12 years. Ever since I was in kindergarten, you have taught me not only the technical skills of music, but you also showed me how to love music and express myself through it, and the wonderful ways that music can bring people together and connect us through such a beautiful art form. You have taught me the importance of diligence and dedication, but also that it is just as important to let go and feel freely when the time comes, and I will forever be so grateful for that, and everything else you have done for me."

Maven H.

"Miss Kay,

You have been so important in my life, in ways that I still continue to discover. Thank you so much for teaching me what will likely be the longest-lasting and most important lessons of my life. The art of music is something that will never leeave me, something that has and will continue to deliver me from the darkest moments of my life. Music is one of the greatest and most beautiful aspect of life, and I am forever in your debt for bringing it into my life. Thank you for teaching me music."

Mason H.

Thank you so, so much for the last 10-odd years of music lessons. All of those years, thanks to your tutelage I’ve been able to develop into a mature musician, and to explore a true passion that I’m certain will remain with me for the rest of my life. Under your instruction, I’ve also learned so much more – I’ve found a way to express and explore my emotions, and by it to
discover more about myself. I’ve found the value in discipline and simple, mindful practice – things that I’ll use throughout my life, regardless of what I do. So thank you so much, for everything! My sincerest thanks."

Max V.

"Thank you, Kay, for being my teacher of piano, music, and the greater aesthetic of art for the past 10 years. I attribute my musical accomplishments to the foundation of knowledge you gave me."

- Max V. (Yale - MM in Music Composition; Princeton – PhD in Music Composition)

Abbey S.

"Thank you for everything you have taught me over the past 4 years. The opportunity to continue playing piano has been one of my favorite experiences at USD. Thank you for taking
me under your wing when I was a freshman, and for always challenging me and supporting me. You have helped me improve my technique and learn how to express myself through music. I
know when I come visit USD, you’ll be one of the first people I visit. You have been an integral part of my USD experience, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. Thank you
again for every lesson and opportunity to play piano and create music."

Bri R.

"While emphasizing in both piano performance and composition at the University of San Diego, I had the honor of studying with Dr. Kay Etheridge for the entirety of my undergraduate studies. During our private lessons, Dr. Kay Etheridge continuously assessed my musical goals to ensure I would be a well-rounded musician, accomplished pianist and versatile performer. Not
only did Dr. Etheridge introduce me to a plethora of new scales and warm-up exercises (outside of Hanon) to help improve my dexterity and overall technique, but her knowledge in piano pedagogy afforded me great opportunities to explore outside my comfort zone with new improvisation and rhythm skills. I consider one of the greatest highlights of my musical career to be when I prepared Schumann's Concerto in A minor with a live orchestra, and Dr. Etheridge was irreplaceable in helping me to find a balance between sharp focus and emotional relaxation during my rigorous preparations. I am forever grateful to Dr. Etheridge for the aforementioned, for truly deepening my knowledge and appreciation of 20th century bebop and jazz music and for introducing me to legendary musicians like Thelonious Monk that shaped the genre."

- Bri Robell, professional vocalists and pianist; recording artist.

Brett H.

"Hi Dr. Etheridge,

It was great to see you perform last weekend. I think it might have been my first time seeing you perform and it was well worth it! I didn’t get a chance to see you after but I want to thank you for the time I had with you and to tell you about the influence you had on me. I started piano lessons with you in my 3rd year, and I remember you saying to me that it was never too late to start to really learn the piano, and that my knowledge of theory would help me learn quicker. You evaluated my harsh, untrained technique, and didn’t just give up on me or solidify my bad habits. You taught me how to start at the beginning, how to use theory to improve my technique, and most
importantly how to choose the right repertoire. You showed me which Bach and Beethoven pieces I needed to start with in order to one day play the inventions and sonatas that I wanted to play right then. Since graduating, and especially during the pandemic, my piano playing and confidence as a musician was reborn and has increased exponentially since my lessons with you, and I know I would not have the understanding, patience, or the motivation to continue if it were not for you. I believe you put me on a path of piano training that I will never stop pursuing. It is the greatest joy I have in life and still practice and compose as much as I can. So I want to say “thank you” for not judging me, not dismissing me, and for taking the passion of my youth, and revitalizing it for my adulthood."

Valentine B.

"Dear Dr. Etheridge
I still remember visiting you for the first time my sophomore year of high school. I was so excited and nervous to start lessons with a new teacher, and looking back, I feel so fortunate to
have had the opportunity with you these past years. I have grown so much as a pianist, and because of you I want to continue studying music next year in New York! I’m convinced that I never could have gotten into NYU Steinhardt without your guidance and support. I have been touched by your generosity – especially this past year when you continued
to teach me despite my family’s financial troubles. I will always be so grateful for everything you have done for both me and my family. I truly hope that we can keep our friendship for a very long time. I always love talking with you and seeing your other students perform!"

- Valentine B. (professional singer and keyboardist, music producer, recording artist, composer,
and piano teacher)

Kristen W.

"Dr. Etheridge has been a part of our family for the past 16 years teaching and mentoring our three children with their piano studies. She helped each child develop a solid piano performance and music theory foundation while allowing them to explore different genres of music and providing ample opportunities for performances through studio recitals, local music competitions, festivals, guild, and Certificate of Merit. She is organized and systematic in her weekly approach to lessons and assignments including theory and technique. Most importantly, Kay is warm, engaging and cares deeply about her
students and their interests outside of piano.

- Kristen Walton

Katie W.

"What an honor to be in the audience for Dr. Kay Etheridge’s Farewell Concert! A beloved
teacher, mentor, and friend for over 30 years, I am blessed to have been inspired by this
wonderful human being. Her patience, kindness, and authenticity were a guiding force in my years at The University of San Diego, and contributed to the person and teacher I am today."

- KATIE WILSON (undergraduate music studies at USD; MFA in Film and Theatre at Regent
University; MM in Music Education at Boston University; Actor at Actors’ Equity Association,
Music Theatre director at Cathedral Catholic High School)

Chelsea C.

"Dear Kay,
This year piano has been really great. I feel like I have improved so much, and I know I learned a lot! Taking lessons with you was so fun, I wish I weren’t moving away. As soon as I have a new piano and teacher, I will email you to let you know. I love how you let me select which pieces I wanted to play and then worked so hard with me to make them better; it’s so much nicer than just learning the notes. I will keep on trying to put more emotion and depth in my
music. If I move back, I definitely want to do lessons with you again. You’re a really great teacher and an awesome person."

- Thank you so much,

Chelsea C.

Sinta M.

"To an exceptional teacher!

Just want to say “hi” and remind you what a great teacher you are! Wishing you all the best! And thank you for always being there!
I am quite adjusted to the situation here at the conservatory. Now I’m playing Bach Prelude and Fugue No. 21, Mozart Sonata in A Major, Debussy Les collines d’anacapri. Paul Hersh is great. I like him, and am glad to be able to study with him."

Love, Sinta M. (founder of Sintanada Music School in North Jakarta, Indonesia)students and their interests outside of piano.

Lauren & Nicholas P.

"Dear Dr. Etheridge
We had such a great learning experience with you! You have a remarkable teaching ability, and your suggestions really refined the Mozart. I wish you lived closer! We look forward to working with you in the future and thank you for having brought the spirit of excellence to our piano duo!

- Lauren P. and Nicholas P.

Michael & Annie H.

"Dear Kay, The gifts you have given Maddie will last a lifetime. Thank you so much – she has blossomed in your guidance, and it shows in so many opportunities she had."

- Thank you, Michael H.

"Kay, what can I say to you, the fine teacher that you are, to show my appreciation for all you
have done for Maddie – how you went above and beyond for all of us, the generous scholarship
she was given and your tremendous teaching ability!"

- Thank you, Annie H.

Carol S.

"Dr. Kay Etheridge is a truly kind and caring teacher. Even just in our short 6 months together, she helped me tremendously with my tone production, how to solidify my overall technique, and how to gain a deeper understanding of my repertoire. I’m very grateful for having had the privilege of working with her!"

- Carol (Qian) Seefeldt

Piano Teacher, Accompanist, and co-founder of SDMA