Margaret Letkeman is attempting to fan the flames of Houston’s art scene.
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Published: September 24, 2008 5:00 AMPiano teacher, Margaret Letkeman has only been back in her hometown for nine weeks, but she is planning on making a difference in the arts community of Houston.
Having moved away to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Music — with a diploma in church music from the Kings University College in Edmonton before relocating to New Westminster — where she taught piano full-time, Letkeman came full circle and felt it was the right time to come home.
Letkeman began teaching after completing the Associateship for Piano Teachers with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She also completed the Licentiate Diploma for Piano Performance with the London College of Music at Thames University.
Letkeman started playing the piano at age six. Although piano lessons were not always consistent, as teachers were not always available in the District, Letkeman continued to play with the encouragement of her parents.
“I want to work with whatever is still happening in the community,” said Letkeman. “In a city, an arts centre always draws people together, I am simply looking for a place to act as a catalyst for local artisans.”
Letkeman hopes to share her love of music with the community from which she came and provide a professional teaching studio for burgeoning musicians.
Letkeman does not have any students yet, but is in talks with Michele Taylor, the Director of Recreation for the District, to teach “Musical Munchkins.”
She is also currently accepting registration for the upcoming school year. Any child who will be five before December is welcome.
“I also love teaching adults because they learn piano for their own reasons, so I’ll teach anyone as long as their fingers still wiggle,” Letkeman said.
The Arts and Education Centre is currently housed on Butler Avenue in the Community Futures building. While it is not much to look at, Letkeman hopes to provide a catalyst for artisans by creating a space where people can share their skills and passion.
“What I said to people at the trade show was, do you draw, do you paint, do you write, recite and do you dream of a place to connect with people who do the same,” Letkeman said.
“There is an abundance of very creative people here in Houston, but not a community yet.”
