Mrs. Tierney, in addition to extensive Suzuki training, has a BMus in piano performance from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she studied with Earl Miller and Thomas Labe. She recently earned a MM in piano performance and pedagogy with an emphasis in injury-preventive keyboard technique from Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she studied with Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink. With almost 40 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Tierney believes in an individualized approach to teaching based on students’ needs, abilities, and goals.  She enjoys the challenge of creating a personalized, positive learning experience where every student knows that they have a teacher who respects them and believes in them. 

Mrs. Tierney is the organist at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga where she plays for several Masses each weekend as well as weddings and assisting with the Youth Schola. She has been a member of CMTA and National Federation of Music Clubs for numerous years and has enjoyed judging their Auditions and Festivals. Mrs. Tierney’s philosophy can be summed up in a quote by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, “where love is deep, much can be accomplished.”