In our Piano Department, we work diligently to develop and explore musical expression and literacy for students of all ages and skill levels, from age 5-100.
We customize curriculum to meet the individual student goals, helping each child or adult learn to read, play, and understand music through the exploration of the piano. Coming soon, we hope to host a monthly studio class for students to enhance their performance and accompaniment skills.
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Summary Block
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
- Victor Hugo
Meet The Instructors
Melody Puller-Department Head, Piano
Melody Puller earned her Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Idaho, studying with Jay Mauchley. She lived in Burlington, Vermont from 2002-2015 where she taught piano students of all levels and abilities. She performed regularly for the Cathedral Arts Series in Burlington, Vermont and served as concert coordinator from 2014-2015. She has recently returned to her home in the Northwest where she grew up, so that she could be closer to her extended family.
Dr. Matt Goodrich- Director of Performance, Piano
A native of Syracuse, NY, Matt Goodrich is a graduate of Oberlin College Conservatory, where he studied with Julian Martin. He earned his DMA from the University of Washington under the direction of Robin McCabe. His dissertation, entitled Ricardo Viñes and Les Apaches, explored the life and talents of one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic performers. He continues to perform Viñes-related solo- and duo-piano repertoire across the United States.
Dr. Goodrich was national finalist in the Young Artists division of the Music Teachers National Association and Young Keyboard Artist Association competitions. He has appeared as soloist with orchestras including the Syracuse Symphony, University of Washington Symphony, Victoria Festival Orchestra, and Willamette Valley Symphony.
An active chamber music and theatrical performer, Dr. Goodrich has enjoyed long associations with acclaimed performing groups such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, Northwest Boychoir, 5th Avenue Theatre, and Lucia Neare’s Theatrical Wonders (Seattle), and Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR). With the Harrington-Goodrich Piano Duo, he performs Parisian fin-de-siècle repertoire for two pianos throughout the West.
Caren Reiner,
Piano
Caren Reiner was born under the piano, as she often states, and started taking lessons from her mother at an early age. Mrs. Reiner attended the University of Southern California and San Francisco State where she received her Bachelor of Music in Piano. She later received a Masters of Arts in piano performance from Sacramento State. Mrs. Reiner has always loved teaching and had her first job as a teacher when she was only 14. Mrs. Reiner also plays the cello, conducts a woman’s choir and has performed as a vocal soloist in many performances throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mrs. Reiner has been with the Conservatory for over 5 years.
Liz Knight, Little Mozarts, Theater, Music Matters! and Piano
Liz Knight is a classically trained pianist and music educator who grew up in the Sandpoint area. She began private piano lessons at age eight with local instructor Laurie Stevens, and later continued her studies under Mizue Fells at Northwest University. At Northwest University she earned her bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Music Industry with a focus on Music Production.
During her time at Northwest University, Elizabeth served as a teaching assistant in music theory and ear training—an experience that deepened her love for helping others grow in their musical skills. Overall, Elizabeth is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel encouraged to grow, explore, and enjoy music.
Whether she’s teaching young beginners, assisting in music classes, or accompanying performances, Elizabeth brings enthusiasm, care, and a deep commitment to musical growth.