Rita Mabes, a native of Charlotte, received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Queens College (now Queens University) where she majored in Piano Pedagogy and Music Education. She has been with the Academy from its beginning. Rita is an accomplished accompanist, having played for several churches, Charlotte Youth Oratorio, theatre productions and many choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists.
Rita’s goal in teaching piano is to install a life long love of playing, giving students skills which will enable them to play any kind of music which brings them joy! Students discover by learning classic techniques and music, they can transfer those abilities to any piano challenge they pursue – from popular to faith-based to Broadway. She enjoys working with all ages and levels of student, watching them grow and improve with each year.
As a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, NCMTA and the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum, Rita’s students are eligible to participate in special festivals and auditions. These events give her students many performance and evaluation opportunities, which are great goals to work toward throughout the year. Rita’s students participate in the annual NFMC Piano Festival in the Piano Solo and Theory events. She also has students who regularly participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano examinations, allowing motivated students to really challenge themselves!
Rita lives in Matthews with her husband of 40 years, Tim. They have three adult children who also love music, having played piano, cello, trumpet, accordion and guitar over the years!