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About Tara
About Tara
Tara began music study at a young age and developed a quick and passionate love for the magic of the piano. In high school, she was able to join her brother in the high school marching band percussion section playing marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, bells, and multiple other percussion instruments. Regional honors concert band experiences soon followed!
Tara's private piano studies continued with Dr. Wesley Roberts at Campbellsville University while she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Piano Performance emphasis. She continued to participate in the marching and concert bands, the handbell choir, the concert chorus, and accompanying various instrumental and vocal soloists.
Graduate Studies
Graduate Studies
Tara continued her studies at the University of South Carolina (Columbia) earning her Masters in Piano Pedagogy in 2001. Her master's thesis is titled "The Development of Improvisation Skills Within Average-Age Beginner Piano Method Series." She was privileged to study piano and piano pedagogy with Dr. Stephen Taylor and Dr. Scott Price while at USC.
Piano Studio
Piano Studio
Tara began teaching in 1996 during her final years at CU. She instantly knew this is where she wanted to spend her career - teaching students the love of music through the piano. While her career has spanned nearly 30 years, some years were quiet in the studio while she homeschooled her own two children and helped lead and coordinate homeschool groups in her area.
Tara continues her professional development by volunteering for and attending programs and conferences through MTNA, NCMTA, RPTA, and VLMTA-NC. Additional research is ongoing in the area of neurodiversity and music study. She also enjoys appearing on podcasts (listed below) and preparing presentations for local music associations to help teachers understand how to effectively communicate with parents of neurodiverse students and with the students themselves.
Tara believes that all students of all abilities can learn the joy of music and piano studio through their strengths and passions. We learn to play the piano in order to play music we know and love and thus you will hear everything from Bach to Beethoven to Imagine Dragons and Taylor Swift from her studio!
Tara's Family
Tara's Family
Tara and her family have lived in North Carolina for several years and are thrilled to call this area home! Their family also includes two adorable and hilarious dogs, one service dog, many fish, and a fabulous and funny Thoroughbred horse. Tara's hobbies include jewelry-making, reading, puzzles, word puzzles, and diamond-dotting while listening to various podcasts.
Presentations
Presentations
Raleigh Piano Teachers Assn.
Raleigh Piano Teachers Assn.
February 18, 2025
Cape Fear MTA
Cape Fear MTA
March 14, 2025
William Carey University, Piano Pedagogy Class
William Carey University, Piano Pedagogy Class
March 21, 2025
Podcast Appearances
Podcast Appearances
E23: Ask Us Anything, Part 2
E23: Ask Us Anything, Part 2
Join Dr. Christina Mathis, along with her guests Tara Mock and Dr. Elizabeth Everhart, as they share their piano pedagogy expertise and answer reader-submitted questions.
E22: Ask Us Anything, Part 1
E22: Ask Us Anything, Part 1
In this episode, Christina is joined by her piano teacher friends Elizabeth and Tara to answer your piano teacher questions. You will definitely want to take notes and save this episode to come back to again and again!
E19: The Joys of Teaching with Tara Mock
E19: The Joys of Teaching with Tara Mock
In this episode, Dr. Christina Mathis interviews pianist and teaching Tara Mock. They discuss Tara's path into teaching and all she has learned along the way, as well as her beautiful children's path into music and how their neurodiversities have impacted their music learning.
E007: Teaching & Parenting Neurodiverse Students
E007: Teaching & Parenting Neurodiverse Students
In this episode, Jaclyn Mrozek and Tara Mock discuss teaching piano to potentially neurodiverse students. Tara shares her experience as a piano teacher and a mother of children with neurodiverse diagnoses. They discuss the importance of understanding and using appropriate terminology, the challenges of disclosing diagnoses, and the need for compassion and positive language. Tara emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods and creating a safe and supportive environment for students. They also discuss the role of music education in empowering students to advocate for themselves and the resources available for piano teachers.
E002: How to Have Conversations with Parents of Neurodiverse Students
E002: How to Have Conversations with Parents of Neurodiverse Students
Welcome to our very first insightful episode of the year, where we dive into the fascinating world of teaching and learning in diverse educational settings. In this episode, we are joined by Tara Mock, a seasoned piano teacher with 28 years of experience and a passion for teaching neurodiverse students. Tara's journey into this specialized field was influenced by her own experiences as a homeschooling parent to two teenagers with neurodiverse diagnoses. Join us as Tara shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise, touching on topics ranging from creating a supportive learning environment to building trust with parents and effectively teaching neurodiverse students. With her unique insights and practical advice, Tara offers invaluable guidance for both parents and educators alike. Tune in as we explore the intersection of music education and neurodiversity with Tara Mock!
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