Family & Relationships
Kristine Konrad in
River Forest, IL
It took a community of family, friends, and teachers to support Kristine after her divorce. Her sons were young when she became a single mom; Michael was 1, Eric was 4, and Alex was 8-years-old. Kristine and her sons were a team, they supported one another and shared their love for hiking. With her sons by her side and her piano teacher’s encouragement, she opened her own studio, Kristine Konrad's Piano Studio, in April of 1999. The seven year old girl that hoped to be a music teacher, became a private piano teacher, an entrepreneur. Today, Kristine is a single mom who has raised three brilliant young men, an accomplished piano teacher, a graduate with two master’s degrees, and a business owner that fosters a music community. I Admire U Kristine for balancing single parenthood with your own dreams and aspirations, and encouraging your sons to go out in the world and make a difference.
Referred by: Nicole Radziszewski
Kristine in her own words...
1. You are badass. You put yourself through college with your Miss Wisconsin scholarship money, and you raised three bright young men as a single parent after your divorce, while you earned your Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and opened your own piano studio. Looking back at how far you have come, how did you stay driven toward these goals?
Basically, I think the drive comes from passion and love. I have always had a passion for music. From the time I was seven years old I have wanted to be a music teacher. I have always been drawn to and fascinated with the piano. Once my sons were born, my passion was further ignited, fueled by the love I feel for my sons. Unexpectedly becoming a single mom made me greatly appreciate what is truly important in life and that life is too short to spend it in a job that is not fulfilling.
2. The day after your youngest son’s birthday, you became a single parent. You were alone with three boys and unemployed. What did you do to keep your sanity? How did you overcome any emotional hurdles?
Not only do I love my three sons, but also I have ALWAYS LOVED being with them and spending time with them. And to this day, they know how much I love spending time with them. We really were a team. So being with three boys was never an issue for me. I always liked sports a little – but I learned to like sports a little more. They grew up studying and loving music. And together we shared an interest in national and world issues.
The difficulty was becoming a single parent unexpectedly and being unemployed at the time. Honestly, it was a very scary time. But I was very fortunate to have a community of friends that came round me and truly lifted me up. Friends who got me interested in exercising and running to help clear my mind, friends who helped me re-kindle my passion for music and piano that eventually helped me to launch my piano studio, a great friend and minister who came to my house every Friday and sat with my boys so that I could have time to ponder my future, and friends who invited me and my three young sons to dinner and other social events. And I prayed a little more – at least daily – for strength, wisdom and courage.
Basically, I think the drive comes from passion and love. I have always had a passion for music. From the time I was seven years old I have wanted to be a music teacher. I have always been drawn to and fascinated with the piano. Once my sons were born, my passion was further ignited, fueled by the love I feel for my sons. Unexpectedly becoming a single mom made me greatly appreciate what is truly important in life and that life is too short to spend it in a job that is not fulfilling.
2. The day after your youngest son’s birthday, you became a single parent. You were alone with three boys and unemployed. What did you do to keep your sanity? How did you overcome any emotional hurdles?
Not only do I love my three sons, but also I have ALWAYS LOVED being with them and spending time with them. And to this day, they know how much I love spending time with them. We really were a team. So being with three boys was never an issue for me. I always liked sports a little – but I learned to like sports a little more. They grew up studying and loving music. And together we shared an interest in national and world issues.
The difficulty was becoming a single parent unexpectedly and being unemployed at the time. Honestly, it was a very scary time. But I was very fortunate to have a community of friends that came round me and truly lifted me up. Friends who got me interested in exercising and running to help clear my mind, friends who helped me re-kindle my passion for music and piano that eventually helped me to launch my piano studio, a great friend and minister who came to my house every Friday and sat with my boys so that I could have time to ponder my future, and friends who invited me and my three young sons to dinner and other social events. And I prayed a little more – at least daily – for strength, wisdom and courage.
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3. You must be so proud. Your eldest son is attending George Washington Law School, your middle son is finishing a double major in Economics and International Studies, and your youngest is an Air Force ROTC cadet. What three parenting rules/tips did you use that helped you raise your sons?
As I mentioned, I prayed a lot and still do, particularly for guidance in parenting. Even though they are three different individuals, I love them equally. I am always pleased when they find role models in teachers, church leaders, and coaches.
I encourage them to be interested and aware of the world around them. We share a strong interest in keeping up with current events, national and international. And although it is important to earn a decent wage, I urge them as they make their life decisions to “try to make a difference” and “help someone along the way.”
4. Speaking of education, you took the unexpected and frustrating news that you would have to pay for your own schooling past the community college level, and turned it into an opportunity. You entered the Miss Wisconsin pageant, and won!!! With your scholarship money you graduated from the University of Wisconsin with no loans and a savings account. What do you hope your sons learn from your experience?
Passion, diligence and focus can lead you to overcome the unexpected, particularly if you continue to be hopeful and stay positive.
"My three sons were my inspiration and the foundation for my efforts. Without their everyday cooperation, opening my studio and finishing my master’s degree would not have been possible."
5. You mentioned, “My good friend and neighbor, remembers the four of us being like a team. We all supported each other.” In what ways did you guys support one another? What is one of your fondest memories?
When I became a single mom, I decided that regardless of the circumstances, my sons’ needs had to come first. I have so many great memories from when my sons were younger. When I started my piano studio, even though I would teach until later in the evening, my sons would wait and we would eat dinner together. That time spent together each night, even though it was late and often brief, was really memorable and important.
When I turned 40, my sons, led by my oldest, who at the time was 11 years old, threw a lovely surprise party for me at our house. They also supported each other by teaching each other things like how to ride a bike, how to tie a neck tie, and checking homework. We also did a lot of hiking together. Three boys can be very energetic, but getting them out in the woods and on the trails during the day, made for some relaxing, peaceful dinners at night. As they got older we shared an interest in national and world events, and still do. I have always encouraged my sons to be interested in the world around them.
6. For a woman who is facing divorce and the unchartered territory of being a single parent, what nuggets of wisdom would you share?
Surround yourself with people who love you, reach out to them and spend time with them. Try to stay positive and be the best you that you can be. Now you are not only a single parent but also a single role model for your children. Remember that in everything you do and say. Be what you want your children to become.
7. You worked your butt off to open your own piano studio, Kristine Konrad’s Piano Studio. It took years of hard work and determination and a community of support. In what ways did your friends, family, professors, and colleagues help you start your own business? How did your sons help?
Yes, when working to open my piano studio, I had tremendous support from my sons and the community.
My three sons were my inspiration and the foundation for my efforts. Without their everyday cooperation, opening my studio and finishing my master’s degree would not have been possible. My oldest son Alex even helped me with some administrative work for my studio that was later passed down to Eric and Michael when they became older.
My piano teacher at the time encouraged me to open a piano studio and asked me to teach his children. My friends spread the word and some asked me to teach their children. With the support of the community I soon had a full studio. My professors were extremely supportive and understanding. My advisor, Dr. Steve Wente, understood my challenges, and helped me schedule classes around my teaching schedule and my sons’ schedules. My colleague, mentor and friend Hannah Voigt, also referred students to me and has been a tremendous example. My former professors Fionna Bezaire, Kuang-Hao Huang and Craig Sale continue to support me by referring students to me. And during those times when I was “freaking out” from the stress, my friends were there to encourage me.
8. You took classes on a part-time basis, taught piano full-time, and raised your three sons. In December of 2010, you graduated with a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy. How did you find the time to study?
There was time to study, time to go to class, time to teach and time for my sons. But time for little else. I attended class in the mornings and sometimes the evenings. I taught M-F in the afternoons and evenings. When working on a degree in music you need to not only find time to study, but also find time to practice. The best time to practice was early in the morning from about 4:30-7:00 before my sons would wake up. And my studying was done primarily on the weekends and also during the weekday mornings between classes.
Yes, when working to open my piano studio, I had tremendous support from my sons and the community.
My three sons were my inspiration and the foundation for my efforts. Without their everyday cooperation, opening my studio and finishing my master’s degree would not have been possible. My oldest son Alex even helped me with some administrative work for my studio that was later passed down to Eric and Michael when they became older.
My piano teacher at the time encouraged me to open a piano studio and asked me to teach his children. My friends spread the word and some asked me to teach their children. With the support of the community I soon had a full studio. My professors were extremely supportive and understanding. My advisor, Dr. Steve Wente, understood my challenges, and helped me schedule classes around my teaching schedule and my sons’ schedules. My colleague, mentor and friend Hannah Voigt, also referred students to me and has been a tremendous example. My former professors Fionna Bezaire, Kuang-Hao Huang and Craig Sale continue to support me by referring students to me. And during those times when I was “freaking out” from the stress, my friends were there to encourage me.
8. You took classes on a part-time basis, taught piano full-time, and raised your three sons. In December of 2010, you graduated with a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy. How did you find the time to study?
There was time to study, time to go to class, time to teach and time for my sons. But time for little else. I attended class in the mornings and sometimes the evenings. I taught M-F in the afternoons and evenings. When working on a degree in music you need to not only find time to study, but also find time to practice. The best time to practice was early in the morning from about 4:30-7:00 before my sons would wake up. And my studying was done primarily on the weekends and also during the weekday mornings between classes.
"When I started my piano studio, even though I would teach until later in the evening, my sons would wait and we would eat dinner together. That time spent together each night, even though it was late and often brief, was really memorable and important."
9. You shared, “For my master’s thesis I conducted a study and researched the concept of teaching piano to students with dyslexia. My research found that intervention techniques used for students with dyslexia increase the rate of learning not only for students with dyslexia but also for normal learners. Now, in addition to teaching piano, I’m often asked to lecture on my thesis, along with my colleague on this topic, Dr. Heidi Hamernik.” What prompted you to research this topic and how has your research impacted others?
When contemplating a research topic, I immediately knew it should be a subject that would help me to be a better teacher. So I thought about my teaching and tried to identify the challenges. A few of my students seemed to love piano, piano lessons, and practicing, but were not pleased with their progress. Some of the parents of these students openly shared information regarding their sons/daughters diagnoses of dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I did some research through the library and internet, and found nothing written on the topic of teaching piano to students with dyslexia. My professor, Dr. Mary Stahlke and my colleague, Dr. Heidi Hamernik, encouraged me to conduct a study in my studio. Dr. Hamernik helped me screen my students and divide them into a control (normal learners) group and a study (dyslexic learners) group. The study was conducted in two phases: phase one used no intervention techniques and phase two used intervention techniques.
It has only been recently (past decade or so) that dyslexia has been recognized as a learning disability. Dyslexia is present in approximately 20 percent of the population and exists independent of intelligence. In other words, someone can be extremely intelligent and yet dyslexic. Dyslexia or reading ability occurs along a continuum and can present with over 200 symptoms. But not all those with dyslexia exhibit all symptoms. In addition, many people are dyslexic but are not aware or diagnosed. Also, because reading ability occurs along a continuum with the majority being average readers, many are just barely on the “normal” side of the continuum. All of these individuals – those diagnosed with dyslexia, those with dyslexia but undiagnosed, and those who are average processors – can all benefit from teaching that uses intervention techniques.
I’m quite fortunate to know some of these individuals who learn differently. Some of them have been my students and have become good pianists. My sons were younger and living at home during my research, and became interested in the topic. They shared what they learned from my research with a few of their friends who were then tested and diagnosed. Being diagnosed has helped some of my sons’ friends to receive accommodations that have helped them achieve what would have otherwise been unattainable.
10. A year ago you wrote an article for Clavier Companion, a national periodical for pianists and piano instructors. The article explores the practice incentive program in your studio and the title is, “Teaching Piano and the Invaluable Life Skill of Self-Discipline”. I’m curious, what’s next for you?
In November, Heidi Hamernik and I will be lecturing at the state convention for the Illinois State Music Teachers Association. Following that, Heidi and I will continue to talk to piano and music teachers about the too often misunderstood topic of dyslexia. I am also theory co-chair for the Illinois State Music Teachers Association Achievement in Music Program for the Chicago area chapter. In addition, I am constantly working to become a better teacher – searching for new and exciting repertoire, new opportunities for my advanced students, and new and different ways to inspire my younger students.
11. I Admire U, who do you admire?
Wow, there are so many admirable people that have been a part of my life. First I admire my sons for the strength, patience and understanding they afforded me while I was working on my masters degree and starting my studio. Now that they are young men, I admire their life choices and their accomplishments. I also admire and am so thankful for my many friends, colleagues and professors who encouraged me to pursue my dream. And every day I greatly admire my students. All of them. I admire their dedication, their enthusiasm, and their spirit. I deeply admire all these wonderful people who have touched my life and every day make the world a better place. They are my inspiration.
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