Biography
As a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and a certified piano teacher through MTNA, Merla Little has been providing a high standard of music education across the Wasatch front for over 40 years. In addition to teaching Piano Pedagogy at the University of Utah, she was the Assistant Director and ultimately Director of the Preparatory Division. Merla recently retired from the School of Music after 27 years and continues to teach part-time through the Preparatory Division along with having a thriving private studio. She also performs throughout the Salt Lake Valley as a member of the two-piano Little-Tanner Duo. Her performances include a concert tour in Belgium with the University of Utah Wind Ensemble, the Mozart Triple Piano Concerto and the Temple Square Recital Series.
Merla’s piano students have received collegiate scholarship awards as well as placed or won various competitions including the University of Utah School of Music SummerArts Piano Competition, Salt Lake Piano Competition, Sterling Scholar’s Awards, Utah State Piano Competition, Joy Robin Piano Competition, county fairs, high school solo ensemble and Reflections awards.
She studied with Gladys Gladstone Rosenberg.
Teaching Philosophy
“I believe it is important to teach a foundation of piano basics and knowledge of music that creates a life-long musician from the inside out. Along with learning the technical skills – note reading, theory, counting and rhythm – students are guided to take the pieces they are playing to a higher level – to create music. Learning to listen to their sound and performing are important as students grow and develop their musical gifts. I want students to feel successful, be proud of what they can accomplish and I encourage them to strive for excellence. When they leave my studio, I want them to remember how much fun it is to make music.”
Courses Taught
- Piano - Private Lessons