Laneise H.

As a very young girl, Laneise used to stand around various leaders at church as they played the piano or organ and just watch in amazement. Her parents were happy to feed her love of music, and she began playing piano at the young age of 5. Once she entered middle school, Laneise signed up for band and began to learn the flute as well. During her high school years, she played flute and piano both solo and as a member of various ensembles. Laneise won her first of many awards at this time, including gold and silver medals in the local ACT-SO competition, the Music Merit Award for piano performance, and many more. She established herself as a performer outside of competitions as well, as she performed as both a pianist and flutist in mini concert sessions for various churches. Her favorite teacher during this chapter was Mary Ellen Bartlett, who helped Laneise lean even more into the burning passion she has for music.

After high school, Laneise attended Saginaw Valley State University where she received her Bachelor's degree in International Business, Foreign Languages (Spanish & French), and minor degrees in Music Performance and German Language. She became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She continued performing and honing her craft while in college.

The highlight of Laniese's musical career thus far has been starting her teaching journey in 2003 and owning a successful piano studio for over 6 years in her home of Michigan, before moving to Georgia and eventually Dallas. She has dearly enjoyed watching her former students blossom into great musical performers. Her philosophy is that music changes lives; it is not just a form of art but rather a way of life. Laneise believes that music can heal, restore, and touch the depths of our souls. She is very patient and encouraging, and she tailors her approach to the needs of each student to ensure that he or she gets the most out of their talent for music. She has experience working with students of all ages from 3 to 95, and she teaches her students to play from within themselves, which always leads to outward success and magic.

Laneise is grateful to have benefited from many excellent music teachers while she grew into the musicain and teacher she is today. Those teachers have inspired her and served as an example for her. Laneise believes that when you study under great music teachers, it develops your talent in ways that you could not have imagined. This knowledge, combined with Laneise's passion for sharing her talent and helping others develop as musicians, is the driving force that motivates Laneise in her career as an educator.

When she isn't teaching, Laneise enjoys performing for weddings, annual Christmas concerts, and in other settings.