Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association

Teacher Directory

NKMTA Leadership

Anna Bonham-White

President

Rita Larkin

Secretary/Treasurer

Brass

Guitar

Piano

Anna Bonham-White, MM

Anna Bonham-White, B.M.E., M. M., teaches voice and piano through the Music Prep Department at NKU and at her home in Edgewood.  She strives to create an environment that is supportive and challenging for each individual.  Anna is able to bring out the joy in learning technique, theory, and note-reading.  Students will be given the skills to pursue genres that are outside of the classical tradition as well as art song and classical literature. She also supports her students in auditioning for stage roles or regional contests, gives them opportunities to perform, and helps them find their own voice.   

“My teaching philosophy strives to be student-centered.  I like to seek input and dialog to make the learning process more collaborative.   It is also important to me to provide exposure to a variety of musical genres.  Music is an amazing array of styles and cultures that reflect the diversity of humanity.  Everyone brings something unique to the studio.  I will bring my love of music, expertise and passion for teaching.  The students, and parents, will lead me in the direction of their joys, goals, and passions.”

Anna accepts young students starting at age six though older adults. She enjoys all of the challenges and joys that each stage of life brings to the lesson. Her career has included public school music education, full-time church music, teaching adult group piano, and Musikgarten classes for early childhood.  She is a member of the professional organizations Music Teachers National Association and the National Association of the Teachers of Singing.  Through those organizations, Anna continues to learn and hone her skills as a music educator.

Kathy Franklin, MM

Kathy Franklin (B.M. and M.M., University of Kentucky) teaches piano and violin.  I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa (our country’s oldest scholastic honorary society) and Pi Kappa Lambda (the national music honorary society). I held a teaching assistantship at U.K. and taught undergraduate music theory courses for two years. From 1971-1976 I played violin with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. I worked as a violin section coach with the Central Kentucky Youth Symphony Orchestra from 1976-1978. I was the accompanist for the NKU Children’s Preparatory Choir from its inception in 1994 through 1999. I accompanied for the pre-professional ballet program at U.C.’s College Conservatory of Music from 1998 through 2004. In addition to my work with school-age children and adults, I taught Kindermusik classes for very young children from 1999 to 2009.

In addition to my background as a musician, I am an experienced parent and parent educator. I was a volunteer with La Leche League for 13 years and ran a cooperative preschool when my eldest child was young. I was a very active PTA mom for many years. I have two daughters who are active in the arts. Jenny is a trombonist and Emily is a dancer/singer/actor based in NYC.

John Haynes

As a life-long Northern Kentucky resident, John Haynes graduated with honors from both Ludlow High School and Northern Kentucky University. John has been very active in the local musical community. He has been a church musician since age 13 and served as a staff accompanist at NKU after graduation. He has been an accompanist for rehearsals and performances for numerous high school and professional musicals and concerts, including operas for Northern Kentucky’s Center Civic Opera Company. John lives in Independence with his wife Donna and divides his time between teaching piano students and tuning pianos. John recently completed an MA in Biblical Studies to aid him with his duties at his church.

Rita Larkin, MM

Rita Larkin began her private teaching career in 1996 and joined the faculty of the Northern KentuckyUniversity’s Music Preparatory Department in the fall of 2009. She accepts students both at her private studio in Covington and through the NKU Prep Depart – please specify the location when contacting her. In addition to a full schedule of private students, Ms. Larkin also is a regular soloist with Holy Cross Church in Latonia, a member of the Kentucky Symphony Chorale, and volunteers at Scott High School.

Several vocal students of Ms. Larkin have attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts over the past 10 years, and several have continued their musical studies at the college level at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, NKU, and Centre College, in both voice and musical theatre/theatre. Her studio includes students ranging in age from 10 to “over 60” and she welcomes the adults who wish to pursue music as a means of personal enrichment and mental stimulation.

Studio activities include an annual recital in the spring and multiple performance and competition opportunities throughout the year.

“Music is a life skill. If we learn it young, it is with us forever. I believe that a healthy vocal technique will allow students to ultimately choose their own style and will allow them the flexibility to continue in whatever genre they choose.”

Education

Master of Music – CCM – University of Cincinnati – Vocal performance

Postgraduate studies at Indiana University – Vocal Performance

Bachelor of Arts in Music and German from Ft Wright College in Spokane, Washington

Professional Affiliations

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Kentucky Music Teachers Association, (KMTA), currently Vocal Chair

Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association (NKMTA)—has served as President and Treasurer

National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

Prior Performance Experience

Cincinnati Opera – Chorus

Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble

Whitewater Opera Company

Natasha Pence

  • Piano – Suzuki & Tradition
  • Group Piano

Natasha Pence enjoys working with students of all ages, and teaches in both the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati areas. She also actively performs as a collaborative pianist. Natasha holds professional memberships with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Northern Kentucky chapter of MTNA.

Rebecca Slater, MM

Rebecca Slater is an active teacher, singer, collaborative pianist, choral director, organist, and liturgical musician. She graduated magna cum laude from Ball State University in choral and general music education with concentrations in both piano and vocal performance. There she received numerous awards, including Outstanding Senior Woman, Outstanding Piano Accompanist, Outstanding Choral Student, and Concerto Competition Winner in piano. Ms. Slater received her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in collaborative piano, where she studied with Dr. William Black and Kenneth Griffiths. At CCM she received a graduate assistantship to accompany vocal students and sang in the prestigious Renaissance Consort under the direction of Dr. Earl Rivers.

Ms. Slater has ample experience teaching music at literally every age level. She has taught preschool music and movement, Kindergarten through eighth-grade general music, home school music classes, high school choral music, and piano at Xavier University, where she served as an adjunct professor of piano and accompanied and coached student and faculty recitals. She has taught private piano and voice for over 30 years. Her students have excelled in various competitions and festivals; several have studied music in college and are currently active performers and teachers.

In addition to maintaining a large private studio, Ms. Slater is also the music director at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, where she plans and provides music for liturgical celebrations and conducts several choirs. Ms. Slater holds teaching certifications in K-12 choral and generalmusic,  Orff-Schulwerk Levels I and II, Kindermusik©, and Music Together©. She serves as the treasurer for Kentucky Music Teachers Association.

Strings

Kathy Franklin, MM

Kathy Franklin (B.M. and M.M., University of Kentucky) teaches piano and violin.  I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa (our country’s oldest scholastic honorary society) and Pi Kappa Lambda (the national music honorary society). I held a teaching assistantship at U.K. and taught undergraduate music theory courses for two years. From 1971-1976 I played violin with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. I worked as a violin section coach with the Central Kentucky Youth Symphony Orchestra from 1976-1978. I was the accompanist for the NKU Children’s Preparatory Choir from its inception in 1994 through 1999. I accompanied for the pre-professional ballet program at U.C.’s College Conservatory of Music from 1998 through 2004. In addition to my work with school-age children and adults, I taught Kindermusik classes for very young children from 1999 to 2009.

In addition to my background as a musician, I am an experienced parent and parent educator. I was a volunteer with La Leche League for 13 years and ran a cooperative preschool when my eldest child was young. I was a very active PTA mom for many years. I have two daughters who are active in the arts. Jenny is a trombonist and Emily is a dancer/singer/actor based in NYC.

Voice

Anna Bonham-White, MM

Anna Bonham-White, B.M.E., M. M., teaches voice and piano through the Music Prep Department at NKU and at her home in Edgewood.  She strives to create an environment that is supportive and challenging for each individual.  Anna is able to bring out the joy in learning technique, theory, and note-reading.  Students will be given the skills to pursue genres that are outside of the classical tradition as well as art song and classical literature. She also supports her students in auditioning for stage roles or regional contests, gives them opportunities to perform, and helps them find their own voice.  

“My teaching philosophy strives to be student-centered.  I like to seek input and dialog to make the learning process more collaborative.   It is also important to me to provide exposure to a variety of musical genres.  Music is an amazing array of styles and cultures that reflect the diversity of humanity.  Everyone brings something unique to the studio.  I will bring my love of music, expertise and passion for teaching.  The students, and parents, will lead me in the direction of their joys, goals, and passions.”

Anna accepts young students starting at age six though older adults. She enjoys all of the challenges and joys that each stage of life brings to the lesson. Her career has included public school music education, full-time church music, teaching adult group piano, and Musikgarten classes for early childhood.  She is a member of the professional organizations Music Teachers National Association and the National Association of the Teachers of Singing.  Through those organizations, Anna continues to learn and hone her skills as a music educator.

Catherine Keen

Ms. Keen’s musical knowledge is built upon her own brilliant career as an opera singer. She made her debut on Broadway at the Beacon Theatre in Madama Butterfly, and her performances have received high praise in newspapers and magazine articles. Her on-going career has seen her perform in the most hallowed houses in the world, including alongside legendary star Plácido Domingo. Indeed, she has worked with such luminaries as Francesca Zambello, who directed Little Mermaid on Broadway; William Friedkin, Best Picture-winning director of The Excorcist; and, Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally. She has sung for kings, queens, duchesses, and even members of the United States Supreme Court!

In addition to this glamorous career, Ms. Keen has a strong technical background in music. She has a Bachelor and Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, and began her doctorate at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio, studying with famous baritone Andrew White. Despite this extensive training, Ms. Keen continues her education, participating in workshops, master classes, and courses offered throughout the United States. She most recently completed course levels 1 & 2 in the distinguished Estill Voice Training program. That said, Ms. Keen relishes the opportunity to lead workshops and share her expertise in master classes with students of other studios.

Her exploits as a teacher have led to copious recognition, including the Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Teachers, given by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She was given a prestigious Overture Award by the Cincinnati Arts Association for Excellence in Arts Instruction. In addition to these accolades, Ms. Keen has served as an adjudicator for The Metropolitan Opera Auditions, NATS Competition, Overture Awards, and the Kentucky Music Educators Association.

Keen Voice Studio is a caring yet challenging voice studio where students learn what their voices can truly do. Ms. Keen leads dedicated singers to new heights in musical theatre, classical, and contemporary popular styles. Ms. Keen’s technical expertise grew from an accomplished opera career and years of dedicated experience to her craft. She is proud to say that her students have gone on to advanced study in the nation’s top university/college programs and even careers in vocal and musical theatre performance.

Students of Keen Voice Studio receive access to a huge network of opportunities, including workshops with expert vocalists, singing competitions, and audition practice with performance specialists. She connects her studio to one another, to the community, and to the world!

JoAnn Kleier, MM

JoAnn Kleier offers lessons to students of all ages in Piano, Voice, Guitar, and Preschool Music in her studio located in Villa Hills, Kentucky. She is a member of MTNA, KMTA, and our local chapter, NKMTA. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Western Kentucky University and her Master of Education degree from the University of Louisville. She has participated in national, state, and local workshops and conventions for continued teacher training and performing opportunities for students.

JoAnn is a native of Louisville, Ky. She grew up in a musical family, her mother played piano and now her oldest daughter, Jaclyn, a former piano student, performs with the Opera Chorus of the Cincinnati Opera. Her musical experience encompasses a variety of music styles and interests which include performing with The Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers, mountain and folk music and Swingtime Big Band, jazz standards, 30’s­ 60’s. Currently, she participates with N Ky Unplugged Acoustic group and Cool Hand Ukes, a ukelele club.

JoAnn serves as a Church Pianist, Organist, and Vocalist for the Diocese of Covington and has served the Diocese of Louisville in the past. She received Superior ratings from the National Piano Guild Auditions as she grew up, and was featured as “Talent Queen” for the WHAS Crusade for Children, a televised fundraiser for handicapped children in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. JoAnn received a four-year Music Scholarship to Western Kentucky University as a Music Major.

Music is fun and it is my passion… I hope to make it yours too!

Rita Larkin, MM

Rita Larkin began her private teaching career in 1996 and joined the faculty of the Northern KentuckyUniversity’s Music Preparatory Department in the fall of 2009. She accepts students both at her private studio in Covington and through the NKU Prep Depart – please specify the location when contacting her. In addition to a full schedule of private students, Ms. Larkin also is a regular soloist with Holy Cross Church in Latonia, a member of the Kentucky Symphony Chorale, and volunteers at Scott High School.

Several vocal students of Ms. Larkin have attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts over the past 10 years, and several have continued their musical studies at the college level at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, NKU, and Centre College, in both voice and musical theatre/theatre. Her studio includes students ranging in age from 10 to “over 60” and she welcomes the adults who wish to pursue music as a means of personal enrichment and mental stimulation.

Studio activities include an annual recital in the spring and multiple performance and competition opportunities throughout the year.

“Music is a life skill. If we learn it young, it is with us forever. I believe that a healthy vocal technique will allow students to ultimately choose their own style and will allow them the flexibility to continue in whatever genre they choose.”

Education

Master of Music – CCM – University of Cincinnati – Vocal performance

Postgraduate studies at Indiana University – Vocal Performance

Bachelor of Arts in Music and German from Ft Wright College in Spokane, Washington

Professional Affiliations

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Kentucky Music Teachers Association, (KMTA), currently Vocal Chair

Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association (NKMTA)—has served as President and Treasurer

National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

Prior Performance Experience

Cincinnati Opera – Chorus

Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble

Whitewater Opera Company

Rebecca Slater, MM

Rebecca Slater is an active teacher, singer, collaborative pianist, choral director, organist, and liturgical musician. She graduated magna cum laude from Ball State University in choral and general music education with concentrations in both piano and vocal performance. There she received numerous awards, including Outstanding Senior Woman, Outstanding Piano Accompanist, Outstanding Choral Student, and Concerto Competition Winner in piano. Ms. Slater received her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in collaborative piano, where she studied with Dr. William Black and Kenneth Griffiths. At CCM she received a graduate assistantship to accompany vocal students and sang in the prestigious Renaissance Consort under the direction of Dr. Earl Rivers.

Ms. Slater has ample experience teaching music at literally every age level. She has taught preschool music and movement, Kindergarten through eighth-grade general music, home school music classes, high school choral music, and piano at Xavier University, where she served as an adjunct professor of piano and accompanied and coached student and faculty recitals. She has taught private piano and voice for over 30 years. Her students have excelled in various competitions and festivals; several have studied music in college and are currently active performers and teachers.

Ms. Slater is the current director of Slater Music Academy in Fort Thomas, KY, a school providing music instruction in voice, piano, guitar, violin and viola. She is also the music director at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, where she plans and provides music for liturgical celebrations and conducts several choirs. Ms. Slater holds teaching certifications in K-12 choral and general music, Orff-Schulwerk Levels I and II, Kindermusik©, and Music Together©. She is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, a professional music fraternity, the National Music Teachers Association, the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, and the American Guild of Organists.