LLydia Reed-Guertin grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts in a musical family where playing and listening to music was a central part of her childhood. She first became acquainted with the piano at age 5, studying the piano under the loving guidance of her mother Irene Reed, herself a long time pianist and teacher.
Later in high school, Lydia studied with Minuetta Kessler, a well known pianist-composer from Belmont Massachusetts. Her intensive piano study was enriched by the opportunity to be Mrs. Kessler’s assistant, meticulously transcribing her compositions on a special musical typewriter.
She then earned a Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees in Piano Performance at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, studying with world renowned pianist and teacher, Anthony diBonaventura. Imparted with lifelong artistic and technical direction, Lydia blended her passion for performing and teaching by serving on the faculties of Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill MA, the Concord Community Music School in Concord New Hampshire and exclusively since 2001, maintaining a private studio in Lexington MA.
As a performer, one of Lydia’s career highlights has been her duo piano partnership with her sister Betty Reed. Together, they have performed extensively in the New England area, and recorded solo and four hand piano works at Jordan Hall including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for the Alfred Recording Label.
In 2001, Lydia was asked to serve on the board of the New England Piano Teachers’ Association (NEPTA) as a board member, then as Executive Secretary followed by Vice President and in 2009 President of the organization.
Growing up she remembers the anticipation, excitement and nervousness of preparing for NEPTA student recitals and now she was one of those teachers in the audience complimenting today’s young performers.
Under Lydia’s leadership, NEPTA flourished as a nonprofit professional organization, dedicated to the highest standards of music education, offering members and their students opportunities for growth, stimulation, and a community of friendship and support.
Through Lydia’s initiative, the organization adopted the Susan B. Demb Teacher Enrichment Fund, available for members to further their professional development by enrolling in a continuing education course, workshop, seminar or conference in piano pedagogy. Lydia continues to lead NEPTA in different capacities as chair of the Susan B. Demb Fund, Nominating committee and active participant on the Program committee.
Lydia has also served on the board of the Massachusetts Music Teachers’ Association (MMTA), the state chapter of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), as Vice President of Membership. Lydia brought her enrichment ideas and guidelines and actively participated on the board for 2 years.
A firm believer in continuing one’s education and being immersed in the latest teaching methods, repertoire and technology, she has attended the national MTNA conference on an annual basis since 2008.
In addition to these volunteer opportunities, Lydia has adjudicated local and state competitions, including long distance judging for the Arizona Music Teachers Association. Her strong sense of constructive but useful advice has been warmly accepted and welcomed by participating students.
Lydia’s affiliation with other national and international music organizations includes the Royal Conservatory of Music Program, where she is a an examiner and certified teacher at the elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. Locally she is also a member CAMSA, Concord Area Music Schools Association, serving Concord, Lexington, Arlington and surrounding communities.
Lydia is also a devoted wife, mother of two and an avid Red Sox fan. She firmly believes that in our lives, musical connections are the key to enrichment and growth.