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.
Linda Jilek
Center Stage Honoree
PIANO
Richardson
August 2026
FOUNDATION
TIme at The Dallas School of Music
30+ Years
Musical Beginning
“What began as a desire to understand music became a lifelong joy in making it.”
My first instrument is guitar. I started playing at church when I was 12. I’ve played and sang at church fairly consistently since then. At one point, I wasn’t satisfied with some of the music that we were playing, particularly the psalms, and I thought I could write something better. I thought if I learned how to play piano, I could understand what it takes to make good music. Over the years, my focus shifted from trying to write music to playing music for the joy of playing music.
PRACTICE
A Weekly Practice Approach
“Structure transformed practice into a more focused and disciplined pursuit.”
My practice is typically a combination of planning and organizing the music for the weekly church service and preparing for piano lessons. I typically practice on the weekends and then get in more time especially on Tuesday evenings before my Wednesday lesson. I am more disciplined in my practice now that I’m a member of the Jazz Piano Skills. The lesson plans, podcast and listening list help me focus on what’s important.
DEVELOPMENT
On Challenge
“Musical growth requires making purposeful time for the work that matters.”
Time! That’s the hardest thing. I have a fairly demanding job. I have so many other creative interests like gardening, photography and cooking and I tend to spread myself too thin. I know when I take the time to practice, I can improve. From a technical perspective, I still get mixed up with diminished and half diminished chords. I’m great with my block chords but need to continue to work on my shell voicings.
On Achievements
“Confidence grows when understanding is strengthened through experience.”
I love the adult music nights at DSM! It’s such a great and supportive environment. I try to participate every time because it helps me overcome my fear of playing in public. While I still don’t think I play piano well enough to play at church, I can pick up a lead sheet and play block chords in my left hand and melody in my right hand. What I’ve learned has helped me become a better guitar player as well since I understand the theory better.
Growth Beyond Lessons
“Music creates space for discovery, renewal, and joy.”
For me, music is the best therapy! My hour with Bob goes by too fast! I’ve been turned on to new music through my lessons. Singers like Eva Cassidy and pianists like Oscar Peterson and countless others. Music helps me relax and focus on taking care of me and doing the things that make me happy. I love learning a new song.
PERSPECTIVE
On Discipline and Consistency
“Growth requires patience—not only with the process, but with ourselves.”
Patience truly is a virtue. I have learned not to be so hard on myself when I don’t get around to practicing like I should. I know that when I finally retire (soon I hope!), I will have lots of time to do all the things that I can only scratch the surface of now.
Beyond the Instrument
“The most meaningful musical journeys are strengthened by relationships that endure.”
Having a weeknight lesson at 7PM forces me to leave work early so I can check in on my mom and go to my lesson relaxed. I’ve known Bob and Tamalyn now for 30 years. They are more than educators. They are friends.
On Teaching and Learning
“It is never too late to begin a musical journey—and never too late to keep growing.”
Just do it! I know it sounds cliche but if you’ve always wanted to play some instrument, go ahead and pick it up. You’re never too old to learn something new. Studies show that life long learning helps to improve your cognitive skills. And you will meet so many people through music.
MUSICAL IDENTITY
On Artistic Direction
“The richness of jazz creates a lifetime of music to explore.”
I’ve been studying jazz piano now for a long time. I really enjoy how complex and rich the chords sound. Not your typical four chord rock song. The lyrics of songs from the American Songbook are much more sophisticated as well. A lot of today’s music is just not as interesting.
On Goals and Aspirations
“Musical growth continues when we remain willing to challenge what feels comfortable.”
I want to master shell voicings this year. The don’t come as natural as the block voicings. And I would like to spend some time learning some skills on guitar. I feel like I have the same sound as I’ve had for years and need to play more and learn new methods.
On the DSM Experience
“The most meaningful musical experiences enrich far more than musicianship.”
I have truly loved my experience at The Dallas School of Music. I always give the staff a plug when asked about my lessons. Everyone has always been so welcoming and supportive. It’s obvious since I’ve been taking lessons so long! I often say that my music lessons are cheaper than therapy sessions but that’s what they are to me.
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