Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Gospel Piano & Mountain Dulcimer Rhonda Clark

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Gospel Piano & Mountain Dulcimer, Rhonda Clark, to share insights into her connection to music and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Rhonda reflects on her passion for piano as a foundational instrument, the accessibility and joy of the mountain dulcimer, and the rich, instrument-filled environment of her teaching studio. She emphasizes relaxation, enjoyment, and a deep appreciation for music, while encouraging students of all ages to explore multiple instruments, set meaningful musical goals, and find lasting joy in both playing and listening to music.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about gospel piano and mountain dulcimer, what would it be?

Piano in my opinion is one of the most important instruments a person should learn, as well as being the most cherished instrument throughout the world! 

The dulcimer is one of the easiest instruments to learn for any age, and fun to play!

How would you describe your teaching studio?

My teaching studio is filled with many different instruments which students can see during their lesson. Having all the instruments I offer to teach, not only makes it very easy to transition between instruments, but has prompted students to ask about certain instruments, thus, creating a desire to learn more than one instrument. This has made my teaching experience over the years very rewarding when kids and adults have mastered not one, but two or even more instruments!

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about music, what would it be? 

Relax, enjoy and just have fun learning to play an instrument. 

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

To appreciate and love music deeply and passionately, whether it’s from their own playing, or hearing others play. 

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

My cameras and external mic have made teaching indispensable. Having a large monitor  to see my students has been a game changer versus the view a laptop provides.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had?  

It would be beneficial for all students to use a computer with an external mic. iPads and smartphones are ok for emergency situations, but are not conducive for visual or sound.

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend?

There is an app for tuning that I feel is one of the best. It’s originally for guitar, but can be switched to chromatic. It not only shows the correct pitch, but it plays the correct pitch. It’s been a game changer for my students who have been able to install it, called SimplyTuner.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? 

I am anticipating to acquire many new students in 2026 and look forward to meeting each one! 

Anything you'd like to share about yours or your students’ accomplishments from 2025? 

I’m in the process of writing my own piano course which I hope to have available in 2026. 

I’d love to see more students take on the challenge of trying out different instruments, even if it’s just for a trial period to see if they would enjoy it or decide they don’t care for it. 

What thrills my heart as a teacher more than anything, is seeing the progress my students have made since the beginning of 2025. I just mentioned this to a student this past week and said to her, “a year ago, you wouldn’t have been able to play this piece!” She looked at me with excitement and said, “you’re absolutely right. I’ve come a long ways!”

Do you have guidance for goal-setting for your students, or generally?

There’s one main goal I have always given my students, and that is to learn an instrument well enough so that you are able to play the songs you enjoy and love. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential gospel piano or mountain dulcimer students?

I love teaching all ages, as well as being able to offer a large variety of instruments and cannot wait to pass on my skills, love and appreciation for music! 

If you are interested in learning more about Rhonda or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!