Judy Pleskac

Judy Pleskac, a Montana native, began her piano instruction at age five under the tutelage of Lulu Giebel, a McPhael’s Music Conservatory graduate. She continued to study with her until her high school graduation. Under her teacher’s direction, she began teaching privately at age 16. During these early years she also played trumpet in the school band, the accordion for fun, and the organ for worship services.

At Montana State University Ms. Pleskac majored in elementary education and minored in music. Following her graduation, she taught primary age children in a public school. She also taught piano lessons after the school day was over and soon realized this was her real profession. She moved to California and continued her music education at San Diego State University where she studied piano pedagogy under Dr. Mitzi Kolar.

Throughout her years as a teacher and church musician, Ms. Pleskac has created many arrangements for her students and fellow musicians. She has always enjoyed creating arrangements that enabled musicians to play the music they wanted to play, regardless of their skill level. Some of Judy’s compositions were performed and recorded by Viennese violinist Bojidara Kouzmanova who, in 2007, joined with Ms. Pleskac to record some of Judy’s arrangements of sacred melodies on CD.

The book “Hit the Road!” is Judy Pleskac’s first collection of pieces for elementary level piano students. It reflects some of the joy and fun that she has always experienced in the music making process.