SC Portrait Photographer, Karen Holubek, photographs Joyce Nickles, a well known piano instructor in Greenwood, South Carolina. Joyce Nickles grew up in Greenwood. She began piano study at Lander University as a 6 year old. Lander offered a program for pre-college students known as The Kinscella Method. Each class had 8 students who used a cardboard keyboard at a table and took turns using the real piano. Portrait Photographer, Karen Holubek, showcases Joyce’s fun personality and displays how comfortable she is with the piano.
Her piano/organ instructor at Lander University suggested she open a Music Studio after graduation. Joyce’s parents gave her a new piano, cousins and friends enrolled for lessons. Now 50 years later she is teaching the grandchildren of these cousins and friends and still loves it! “It’s fun to interact with students. Getting to know them and their unique personalities helps me with my teaching style and provides lots of entertainment – especially when it comes to the creative excuses for not practicing. One of my favorites is “The dog threw up on my book and when Mama washed it off, the notes came off.” Another favorite “Mama spilled her coffee on my book and the pages stuck together”.
These students have gone on to become church musicians, Broadway stars, opera stars, school administrators and teachers, and parents who appreciate the value of music in a child’s life. “It has truly been exciting to bring music to so many lives”.
Joyce has taught Caroline, my daughter, piano for nine years. Her charisma and sweet southern charm made her a natural in front of the camera for a professional portrait. As the photographer we played around with different lighting and several different outfits, until we landed her upon the keys for the perfect photograph. The portrait can be viewed at Aromas Coffee Shop in Greenwood, South Carolina.