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JoAnn DerdenJoAnn Derden received her classical training as a pianist at the Fort Worth Conservatory of Music, North Texas State University, and Texas Christian University; Franck, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Tansman were favorite composers. Jeannette Tillett ('JT'), her teacher at the
Conservatory and TCU, always introduced JoAnn as the 'poet of the piano,' and with good reason. JoAnn was JT's star pupil because of her obvious musical gift at the ivories. When JoAnn approached JT years later about teaching her daughter, Helen, JT snagged the opportunity for a repeat performance, likely in disbelief at her good fortune.
Alas, as the rest of JT's pupils were adults, Helen - in elementary school - was a bit of a misfit during the two-year stint. However, JoAnn then became Helen's whenever the mood struck teacher, providing fun times for both. When Helen was twelve, JoAnn was confident they were ready to hit the stage (of sorts) as a two-piano team, and they never looked back.
JoAnn enjoyed her many years of teaching and public performance (although stage fright led her to perform one program under hypnosis!), but a favorite pastime was always just ‘making stuff up.’
With the incredibly advanced technology of keyboards and recording equipment, JoAnn has finally realized that she wants to continue doing just that ‘when she grows up,’ taking advantage of her fancy keyboard - a Korg O1W ProX Music Workstation. She says it makes her sound better than she really is, which makes it even more fun!
She has recorded several other albums, but Dreams for Jeffrey is one of the closest to her heart. While her inspiration for this album was her very special infant grandson, Jeffrey, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the tunes are soothing for souls of all ages. Be sure to read the verses she wrote. The CD was originally part of The Jeffrey Journey, a book written by Helen and recently reissued; it is currently available with the book or by itself.
JoAnn and her husband, Elton, who remained her favorite critic even after 53 years of marriage(!), moved down the road from Helen and her family in the mountains of North Carolina only a few short months before Elton passed away. Confidence abounds, though, that he is still enjoying her music as much as the rest of the family; with his spirited inspiration, JoAnn has produced some of her best work ever!
Her latest release, truly inspired from Above, is entitled Grief: Loss and Recovery. It is a stunning masterpiece, particularly powerful when it’s realized that she just sits down and starts playing. It is currently available thru The Jeffrey Journey (more outlets pending) and will gradually be joined by other CDs of her original compositions.
Those of us who have been privy to her musical genius for years are trying to be patient!
© JoAnn Derden 2009