Joy Carden – Our Friend

Joy Carden

This past April 17th (2014) we lost a true visionary in music education – Joy Carden. She passed away in Lexington, Kentucky surrounded by her five children.

Joy empowered piano teachers across the country with innovative technology tools. She worked with music manufacturers to support her fellow teachers with workshops, seminars, and magazines.  She was passionate about every piano student – no matter how skilled or ‘talented’ – having the opportunity to participate in the powerful group dynamic of lessons and keyboard ensembles. Joy loved seeing teachers grow successful studios and hearing students making music together. She was particularly moved when young pianists played ensembles musically, displaying a deeper level of musicianship than might be possible on their own elementary solo level.

Many of you have already suggested that KETS implement a scholarship fund in Joy’s memory. Scholarships would go for students’ registration fees for ensemble events and for KETS Guest Clinicians.  KETS (formerly Yamaha’s STS) is the collaborative brainchild of Mike Bates and Joy.  And if you knew Joy, you knew of her passion for digital ensembles! So I will be about that and email updates as the process unfolds.

Joy was an incredible friend, a respected colleague and a fun-loving lady.  Even though she hated the term ‘pioneer,’ she was one, and today we all reap the benefits of her vision!

Sincerely,
Susan Ogilvy

Do not go where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path . . .
and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson