Jean's Bio

Born and raised in Washington DC, and a product of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Jean Childs started playing piano at a very young age. She grew up in a very musical household. Her mother was a music major in college, and her father played trumpet early in his education. Jean grew up in a household where everything from jazz to classical music was heard on a daily basis, either through her mother’s playing and teaching; or her father’s record collection. She graduated from Eastern High School, and attended Howard University, where she at first majored in zoology, but later switched to music education, with an emphasis in piano performance. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 1980. She continued her education, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching/Early Childhood Education, from the University of the District of Columbia. She is a National Board Certified teacher, and is currently a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in the DC public school system. Jean continues to keep her piano playing as sharp as possible, studying bi-weekly with her piano professor from Howard, Dr. Raymond Jackson, who retired from that position last year. She has performed each year, twice yearly, at the Montgomery County Music Teachers’ Association Adult Piano recitals; and at the Christmas celebrations at the home of Dr. Jackson. One of her greatest joys is seeing her students come to enjoy and appreciate music!