Photograph by Caleb Kenna
Keren Johnson
As we celebrate our tenth anniversary, the stories of our teachers, students, alumni, and donors illuminate the heart of what makes this music center a true gem in Addison County. One of those stories belongs to Keren Johnson, a piano teacher here at MCMC, whose journey as a music educator has been intertwined with our growth.
Keren first joined us in 2019 after realizing she needed to be part of something bigger than her private studio. "I was going through different changes in my life, and I knew that joining a community of teachers would benefit both me and my students. MCMC had that community I was looking for—people I could learn from and grow with," she recalls. She reached out to the center’s director, Sadie Brightman, and found that the timing was perfect for both her and MCMC.
One of the reasons Keren was drawn to the music center was its sense of community, a value she has always embraced in her own teaching philosophy. "Teaching, for me, is like breathing. To be able to impart a small piece of my love of music, to care for each individual and their unique personality, to give them tools in the power of self-expression and self-regulation through music, is a gift to myself and a gift from myself to the generations to come,” she shares.
This deep passion for teaching is reflected in her relationship with her students, where she focuses on helping each one achieve their personal goals. "My joy and success as a teacher is when my students find joy and fulfillment in their own individual musical expression," Keren says.
Her commitment to individualized teaching is echoed in her many meaningful moments at MCMC. She recalls one student struggling with mental health who found solace in music. "Walking through that season with her, using music as our roadmap, was incredibly impactful," Keren reflects. Another highlight has been watching young students in MCMC’s group classes discover the joy of music. "I’ve had grandparents tell me how their grandchildren are playing music at home, and I think, 'Yes, that’s what we’re here for!'"
Since joining MCMC, Keren has seen the center evolve in powerful ways. "We’ve added incredible faculty members, and we've strengthened our connections with the community. We're not just one organization on our own—we're partnering with other meaningful organizations in the area, which has expanded our impact," she says.
For Keren, this collaboration has been a key factor in her own professional growth. "Working with great musical minds like Sadie, and alongside the incredible administrative staff, has helped me set focused, forward-thinking goals for myself and my students. Sadie does an amazing job of inspiring us to reach for more, and having that clear direction has made a huge difference in what we’re able to accomplish."
As a teacher, Keren’s influence extends far beyond music lessons. Her impact on students often becomes clear through unexpected moments of connection. She fondly remembers receiving a heartfelt message from a mother after her daughter had graduated from Keren’s studio. "The mother wrote, ‘You weren’t just an incredible teacher for [my daughter]. You were a mentor and a friend when she really needed someone.’" Moments like these are profound reminders of the deeper purpose of her work. Keren says, "Music is community building, one beautiful relationship at a time, and the profound meaning of that is always on my mind as I am teaching."
Of course, there have been challenges along the way, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when music education had to pivot to virtual platforms. "We had to adapt quickly—teaching online and finding new ways to engage students from a distance," Keren shares. Despite the difficulties, many of those changes have had lasting benefits. "Some of the tools we developed during that time are still in use today, and they’ve helped us continue to offer flexible options for students and families."
Keren has high hopes for the future of MCMC. She dreams of expanding the center’s reach, not just in Addison County, but across Vermont. "My hope is that we can touch the lives of more people, bringing the joy of music and the strength of community to even more places," she says. "I want to see MCMC continue to grow, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of music."
As MCMC marks this milestone anniversary, Keren reflects on the center’s unique ability to cultivate both musical excellence and personal connection. "What sets MCMC apart is the collaboration. We, as faculty, are allowed to bring our own unique styles and strengths to the table, and that gives students the freedom to choose the teaching style that resonates with them. It’s a real gift to have so many diverse personalities and talents in one building, and it only benefits the community as a whole."
As the next decade unfolds, Keren looks forward to seeing how MCMC will continue to shape the local music scene and the lives of its students. "There’s nothing quite like the magic of music and community coming together," she says.