Chris Duncan

Biography

Chris Duncan, NCTM has loved playing the piano on the very first day her fingers first touched those ivory keys, and she knew that she wanted to be a teacher and help others embrace exploring their gifts through learning. Piano and education were a natural fit and one that inspired her to obtain her B.A. degree in Piano
Pedagogy and Music Theory from Michigan State University in 1978. In 1997 she also obtained the highest level of certification that can be achieved with the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association.
It was through some ups and downs with her own children that Chris realized how different all children are with their motivation to learn to play the piano and other types of music. It led to some innovative thinking on how to inspire them and develop their skills and interests. This was the foundation for her thinking when she opened up the Frisco School of Music in 2000, offering group and private music lessons for many instruments and to children of all ages and levels. She also offered Rock Band School and pre-ballet dance classes.
In 2009, Chris and her business partner Steve South, founded Musical Arts Schoolhouse. This program has really become the foundation and signature of all Chris’s achievements in the performing arts and her natural love of everything associated with it. What makes this school unique is that it teaches high academics through the performing arts to children ages 3 through 6 for Preschool and Kindergarten.
Frisco School of Music and Musical Arts Schoolhouse have over 45 teachers, dedicated administration support staff, and over 950 students. The blueprint that Chris and Steve have created is one that continues to be improved upon, giving quality education and performing arts options to the many students who are enrolled.
Chris believes strongly in family involvement in continued learning and always brings enthusiasm, energy, and a joyful love of teaching to everything she is involved in. Today, Chris lives in Little Elm, TX and has two grown sons, one of whom is a jazz pianist.
Notable Awards and Accomplishments:
• Licensed Preschool Director, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• NCTM; Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Permanent Certificate, Music Teachers National Association – Piano, Theory
• Founding, Charter Member of the Carrollton Music Teachers Association
• Member, Texas State Music Teachers Association
• Member, Music Teachers National Association
• Member, Texas Licensed Childcare Association
• Early Childhood Music & Movement Association, National Board Member 1995-1997