CENTER STAGE
Excellence at The Dallas School of Music is earned through discipline, consistency, and a genuine commitment to growth. Each month, our faculty recognizes one student whose dedication to the craft of music reflects the highest standards of our school. To be featured Center Stage at The Dallas School of Music is a distinct honor — a formal acknowledgment from our educators that this student has demonstrated focus, perseverance, and a meaningful pursuit of musical excellence.
Kelly Craig
Center Stage Honoree
PIANO
Dallas
September 2026
FOUNDATION
TIme at The Dallas School of Music
2 Years
Musical Beginning
“Returning to the keyboard after nearly four decades, rediscovering a lifelong love of music.”
For many years, I took organ lessons, starting at age 6 and continuing until I graduated from high school. After college, I moved back home for 4 years, and during that time, I was a church organist until I moved to California. After moving out west, I only played the organ when I visited my parents. Other than that, I didn't play the organ for about 27 years. When I moved to Dallas 12 years ago, my spouse had a baby grand piano. A few years ago, he expressed interest in taking piano lessons, and I was also interested. One of his business associates, who was taking piano lessons, referred us to The Dallas School of Music. So, after almost 40 years, I’m back to learning to play the piano again.
PRACTICE
A Weekly Practice Approach
“Finding time for music in the rhythm of everyday life.”
Since I work from home, I usually set aside some time to take a break during the day to practice for about an hour.
DEVELOPMENT
On Challenge
Overcoming the challenges of reading music through patience, persistence, and consistent practice.”
Just like with anything in life, such as learning a language or a new skill, unless you stick to it, you’ll likely forget certain things. The most challenging part for me at the beginning was reading the base clef notes as well as the ledger lines above and below both staffs.
On Achievements
“Celebrating remarkable progress through dedicated study and the guidance of an exceptional teacher.”
I’m most proud of how quickly I've progressed in my learning. After just a year and a half, I am playing complex pieces I don’t think I could have achieved without my teacher, Tamalyn Lawrence, at The Dallas School of Music.
Growth Beyond Lessons
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams and rediscover the joy of making music.”
I have learned that you should always follow your dreams and never think that you can’t achieve them. If you’ve been away from something for a long time that you enjoyed doing, don’t let that stop you from picking it back up so that you can experience the joy and sense of accomplishment that you had once before.
PERSPECTIVE
On Discipline and Consistency
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams and rediscover the joy of making music.”
I have learned that as you work on a new piece of music, you’ll conquer parts of it with ease and other challenging parts will be achieved through dedication and patience.
Beyond the Instrument
“Discovering the confidence to pursue your dreams through persistence and dedication.”
Studying music has given me confidence that no matter what you dreams are, persistance and dedication are a key to achieving them.
On Teaching and Learning
“Staying committed through challenges and discovering that perseverance leads to progress.”
Don’t get discouraged by a lack of progress; stick with it. We all experience times when growth slows, but then you finally overcome the difficulties.
MUSICAL IDENTITY
On Artistic Direction
“A lifelong appreciation for classical music, rooted in the works of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart.”
Classical, my early music education consisted of pieces from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart.
On Goals and Aspirations
“Revisiting familiar repertoire and rediscovering the musical achievements of years past.”
Over the next year, I want to revisit some of the complex pieces I mastered years ago, before I took a long break from playing music.
On the DSM Experience
“Finding a musical home at DSM and fulfilling the dream of playing piano again.”
I feel very fortunate to have found a great place at DSM that is helping me achieve my dream of playing music again and grow as a pianist.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Parent reflections are included when available.
On Growth and Development
DISCOVER • LEARN • PLAY
On Independence and Confidence
DISCOVER • LEARN • PLAY
On Structure and Support
DISCOVER • LEARN • PLAY
Advice to Other Families
DISCOVER • LEARN • PLAY