OhioMTA SouthWest Member Spotlight: Amy Immerman

An Interview With Amy Immerman: A Fascinating Music Educator

Where do you teach now, and what kind of studio do you have?

Amy Immerman shares, "I teach at Cincinnati Music Academy, a business I started in 1997 with Lenore Wilkinson and Paul McCready. Over the years, the three of us grew the business to over 40 teachers and 800 students. Lenore sadly passed away in 2006, but her dream of owning a music school kept growing. After owning and running the school for 25 years, Paul and I sold out at the end of 2022 to Joel Greenberg and Natasha Pence. Paul and I continue to teach there. After teaching traditional and Suzuki piano lessons for many years to many children, I transitioned to an adult-only studio on June 1, 2024. I teach both private and group lessons."

If you weren’t a music teacher, what would you be?

Reflecting on an alternate path, Amy says, "I may have become a psychologist or psychiatrist. My undergrad degree was in psychology. As I was applying for grad programs in psychology, I was offered a full tuition scholarship to do a master’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy at Ohio University. Accepting that scholarship changed the course of my life."

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

When she’s not teaching, Amy enjoys "cycling, gardening, traveling, [and] adventure."

Why did you decide to join the MTNA?

"Gail Berenson was my pedagogy teacher at Ohio University. She made all of her students join MTNA," Amy explains, crediting her mentor for this career milestone.

What was your first job?

"My first job was working in a library in Jr. High School. It involved a lot of alphabetizing!" Amy recalls with a laugh.

What’s your ideal Saturday?

Amy describes her perfect weekend: "Cycling with friends, 35-45 miles, out in the country."

What led you to a career teaching music?

"I function best working for myself, and I am very driven. And I love helping people build confidence and believe in themselves," Amy shares, revealing the driving forces behind her passion for music education.

Is there something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Amy’s life is filled with unique adventures. "I have traveled to 31 countries, and taught piano on cruise ships for a while," she reveals.

What’s the most recent experience you’ve crossed off your bucket list?

Amy’s sense of adventure led her to Alaska. "In 2021, I ice-picked up glaciers and rappelled down them!"

What advice do you have for someone starting out as a music teacher?

Amy offers practical advice for new educators: "Start saving for retirement, YESTERDAY. It’s easier to be young and broke, than old and broke."

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Sharing a nugget of wisdom from her mother, Amy says, "Apply for everything: grants, jobs, education opportunities, etc., even if you don’t think you want it. When you are offered the opportunity, then you can decide if you want it or not."

Describe your relationship to plants, either houseplants or gardening.

"I love gardening," Amy says. "During the summer of COVID, I added four new garden areas in my yard. I love flowering plants and working with the earth."

From building a thriving music academy to exploring the world and cultivating beautiful gardens, Amy Immerman’s life is a testament to passion, perseverance, and creativity.

Her journey offers a wealth of inspiration for music educators and adventurers alike.