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Janet Walters – Pianist, Teacher and Composer
Little did Janet Walters’ father know that a building remodeling job would end up being a remodeling job of an entirely different kind. The job produced an old upright piano and at the tender age of 6, Janet began to show the gift for music that she continues to share today. Formal piano lessons began at 7 and her elementary and high school years were filled with opportunities to perform and teach.
Her formative piano years were strengthened by a talented teacher and encouraged by a mentor whose support boosted Janet’s self-esteem in addition to her musical skills. As she became more adept as a pianist, she became more confident in her performances.
Janet Walters’ musical gifts grew as she shared her skill and talent with students of all ages. This would serve her well in later years as she moved around the country when her husband’s career required. Each new locale meant unloading the piano and advertising for students. Janet soon found that having a gift is not enough; it is in sharing that gift that full bloom takes place.
A 1990 move to Minnesota created still more opportunities. A need for piano teachers brought Janet a number of students. After taking a brief time-out for a retail gift shop, she returned to teaching and this time added a new dimension to her repertoire. Janet’s church needed some occasional special music for services and her talents encouraged them to ask Janet to become their Minister of Music and Worship. Here she again was able to share her talents by performing and by leading others in their musical gifts. This opportunity showed Janet that her real love was sharing her music through performance.
An annual Christmas concert along with her role as keyboardist in a Christian musical group called “Willowsprings” allows Janet to share her gift and the grace from which it came. During this time, a friend asked Janet to help her with a song she had written. Through this collaborative effort, a new gift was revealed. Janet’s years of teaching and performance had given her a deeper understanding of music composition and the world of songwriting was opened to her.
Learning, teaching, sharing and creating – these are the strengths of Janet Walters. As a skilled and trained pianist, she shares the beauty of music with those who hear her. As a creative composer, Janet brings music to life for many. Her greatest sense of accomplishment comes when someone enjoys her music and when it gives them a sense of peace. Janet’s life is now dedicated to sharing the God-given grace gifts she has with those who are blessed by her performance and encouraged by her teaching.
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