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.
Patricia Evans
Center Stage Honoree
Piano
Frisco
July 2026
Recognized for consistent practice, joyful learning, and a lifelong pursuit of musical growth.
FOUNDATION
TIme at The Dallas School of Music
3 Years
Musical Beginning
"A lifelong curiosity found the right place to grow."
When I read the website, I was hopeful that they would take adult students and would be open to teaching an adult student jazz, even though I had been classically trained. I have always wanted to be able to sit and improvise some of these incredible tunes I grew up hearing my mom play.
PRACTICE
A Weekly Practice Approach
"Daily practice became a place of focus, joy, and discovery."
I try to get at least 30" in nightly, but often I get wrapped up in the practicing and I go much longer. I have more time on weekends and just love how I can just tune out the world, and then hear these amazing chords and melodies.
DEVELOPMENT
On Challenge
"Real growth begins when we're willing to learn in a new way."
Having grown up in classical music, where there are very strict rules about performance and memory work, learning jazz has simply been incredible. I'm so grateful for the background my mom gave me, but I'm having to retrain my ear to hear jazz chord progressions as well as rhythms. I love having the experience I used to have as a child, which is having worked hard on a piece that I love; I dream about it at night. It's wonderful.
On Achievements
"The greatest accomplishments often begin with the courage to begin again."
Oh my goodness, i never dreamed I would ever have the courage to play in a recital again! and of course, these Friday Fun Nights are so joyous, playing for the group is pure fun! I'm learning how to program back-up sounds for my pieces, and one day I hope to have the ability to add the different instruments with the software that Dr. Lawrence has been showing me.
Growth Beyond Lessons
"Music brought joy back into everyday life."
Joy. Joy throughout the day, thinking about the instrument. Joy with my pediatric patients when I have them sing along to a song on the iRealPro. Joy in the evening when I can get home and play an instrument I love with not just new songs, but a whole new way of language in the jazz genre. For me, classical music is like reading important, often stunningly beautiful books from different generations. Jazz is like talking in a language that is conversational and truly in the moment.
PERSPECTIVE
On Discipline and Consistency
"Encouragement creates the confidence to keep growing."
Dr. Lawrence is so patient with me, and he clearly enjoys not only the language of jazz but the fun of teaching. He is very encouraging, and he keeps me on target with a combination of technical assignments as well as pieces to study and learn.
Beyond the Instrument
"Music is even more meaningful when you feel you belong."
My husband and I both have been made to feel so welcome and part of the DSM family. I've only studied there about 18 months, but it's been so far beyond what I had hoped. We are so blessed to have found this amazing place.
On Teaching and Learning
"Progress begins with a simple decision to start."
Just start. Commit to at least 30 minutes a day. And even if you get frustrated because it takes a while to learn, it's the process that is so invaluable.
MUSICAL IDENTITY
On Artistic Direction
"Freedom in music begins with discovering your own voice."
Jazz keyboard. It's just so liberating.
On Goals and Aspirations
"Every new goal creates another opportunity to grow."
I want to be better at programming back up tracks for my pieces. I also want to acquire more ease with chord progressions within a melody line.
On the DSM Experience
"The best musical communities help people feel at home."
I can't say enough wonderful things about DSM. I feel like I've come home to a place that celebrates not only incredible music and musicianship, but also its students. It's an amazing school, and I feel so fortunate to have found it.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Parent reflections are included when available.
On Growth and Development
Well, I'm the student and the parent in one person. Ostensibly, I have better study habits!!! :D
On Independence and Confidence
"Music brought lasting joy beyond the lesson."
I find myself more joyous just thinking about the music all day.
On Structure and Support
"A strong learning environment makes consistent growth possible."
It's outstanding. The structure, encouragement, and consistent support I receive at The Dallas School of Music have helped me stay motivated, focused, and excited about learning.
Advice to Other Families
"Small moments of daily practice create lasting musical growth."
Consistent practice, daily, even if it's only for a few minutes.