2001-2025: Celebrating 20+ Years of APPI
In 2001, three rather frustrated and isolated piano teachers met for coffee and conversation. Sparked by the encouragement and empowerment they found in each other, these founders, Krista Lundblad, Sue Ruby, and Kathy Smith, grew excited at the potential of drawing independent piano teachers together to pool resources, experiences, and knowledge. Bonded by mutual aspirations, they sketched out the framework of the organization now known as APPI, the Association of Professional Piano Instructors.
Here is a video where the start of APPI is recounted by the founders:
Here is a video where the start of APPI is recounted by the founders:
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All these years later, APPI remains true to its mission: "to enable piano instructors of all levels and abilities to network with others to energize and enhance the art of teaching piano." APPI accomplishes this mission by offering monthly professional development meetings for teachers and free or low-cost educational opportunities for students of APPI members. |
Founders Sue Ruby, Krista Lundblad, and Kathy Smith celebrate APPI's official formation as a non-profit in 2001
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APPI members hail from all over Minnesota and beyond. We have had APPI members from coast to coast in the US -- as far away as California, New Jersey, and Maryland! APPI members include:
■ Experienced teachers with 10, 20, even 40+ years’ experience!
■ Brand new teachers starting their first year
■ Teachers with advanced degrees in music education and/or performance
■ Teachers with a passion for music and degrees in other fields such as engineering, accounting, and business
APPI Meetings are always free and visitors are welcome - please join us! APPI teachers meet the second Friday of the month, September - May at Schmitt Music's Bloomington location. If you decide to become a member, you will be able to enter your students in APPI events and access the Members Area of the website, which includes meeting handouts and minutes and an archive of thought-provoking newsletters full of timeless teaching tips from other APPI members.
APPI members hail from all over Minnesota and beyond. We have had APPI members from coast to coast in the US -- as far away as California, New Jersey, and Maryland! APPI members include:
■ Experienced teachers with 10, 20, even 40+ years’ experience!
■ Brand new teachers starting their first year
■ Teachers with advanced degrees in music education and/or performance
■ Teachers with a passion for music and degrees in other fields such as engineering, accounting, and business
APPI Meetings are always free and visitors are welcome - please join us! APPI teachers meet the second Friday of the month, September - May at Schmitt Music's Bloomington location. If you decide to become a member, you will be able to enter your students in APPI events and access the Members Area of the website, which includes meeting handouts and minutes and an archive of thought-provoking newsletters full of timeless teaching tips from other APPI members.
APPI Photos 2001-2025
APPI Board Members 2025-2026
Maura Klimisch, Board Chairperson
Susan Hareland, Board Secretary
Jim Lansing, APPI Treasurer
Joyce Barwis, APPI Teacher Liaison
Kathy Fratz, APPI Co-Founder
Sue Freeman Dopp
Paula Gudmundson
Curtis Herbert
Mike Hvidsten, APPI Website Chair
Herb Johnson
Sue Ruby, President and APPI Co-Founder
Kate Welch
Susan Hareland, Board Secretary
Jim Lansing, APPI Treasurer
Joyce Barwis, APPI Teacher Liaison
Kathy Fratz, APPI Co-Founder
Sue Freeman Dopp
Paula Gudmundson
Curtis Herbert
Mike Hvidsten, APPI Website Chair
Herb Johnson
Sue Ruby, President and APPI Co-Founder
Kate Welch
