I always call her M A R V E L O U S Merle! Merle is a wonderful teacher and teenage expert. When she gets a good idea, it gets done in Grand style. -Maxine Casper Merle is an unstoppable force of music instilling a great love of both keyboard and choral music into students for three generations. My mother, my daughter and myself have been instructed not only in excellent classical and improvising techniques, but also were given a passion for music that will continue to generations to come. We thank God for this gift of music provided through Merle's expert instruction. -Nancy Lystrup I was her first piano student, a providential act of God. Words cannot express my appreciation to Merle. It was due to her influence on my life that I became a born again Christian at the age of 10, and later an accomplished pianist, organist and teacher of both. Her confidence in my abilities caused me to reach many goals in my life. I thank God for Merle's lifetime friendship and that she is continuing to touch other lives in so many ways. -Arlane Hart "Nearly 50 years ago, I began a musical journey with Mrs. Valdez as my teacher and guide. She patiently trained me in the basics-notes, scales, chords. She explained the DNA of music theory, employing the Masters-Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and others-to hone my piano skills. Yet of all the musical disciplines I learned, improvisation is the one most used, the one that has given me the most joy, opening a vast world of creativity, and giving me the ability to embrace any song and make it my own. In a group or as a soloist, improvisation is the defining hallmark of my musical journey. -David Brewer