MalcolmMusic 

Bio

Elisabeth Malcolm was destined for a life of music. As a Raleigh native she grew up listening to her father perform viola in the North Carolina Symphony and observed her mother teach violin.

 

She began her musical studies at the age of five and the rest is history! She loves teaching, accompanying, playing the piano at various churches, and collaborating with other musicians.

 

She has enjoyed teaching students of all ages and abilities since 2001.  Her passion is to give her students the tools they need to be well-rounded musicians and to develop a life-long love and appreciation for music.

 

Education and Experience

• Bachelors in Piano Performance and Violin, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Masters in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Additional Studies, The New School for Music Study, Post-Graduate Fellowship, Kingston, NJ

• Musikgarten Certification

• Former New School for Music Study Faculty, Kingston, NJ

• Former High Point University Faculty, Adjunct Instructor, High Point, NC

• Former Ravenscroft Faculty, Piano Instructor, Raleigh NC

 

Praise

"Lis Malcolm is an extremely skilled and effective piano teacher, who is equally at home in private and group teaching situations. Ms. Malcolm is a very fine solo and collaborative pianist. Her students excel as she plans her lessons with great care and enthusiasm. Her warmth and ability to connect with students cannot be overstated. Her students are very fortunate indeed."

Amy Glennon, Educational Director, The New School for Music Study

​

"I had the privilege of working with Lis when she was a graduate student in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lis is one of the most gifted and natural teachers with whom I have ever worked. Those fortunate enough to work with her will immediately sense her joy, love of music, enthusiasm for teaching, as well as her exceptional musical ear and ability to meet students where they are. Her holistic approach invites students of all ages and stages to explore their own relationship with music-making, claim their own voice, and participate in the process of musical discovery. She is a real gem and I recommend her most enthusiastically!"

Dr. Jessica Johnson, NCTM, Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

"Lis Malcolm is a superb pianist and teacher.  She is also one of the kindest and gentlest people I've ever known.  Her students are lucky to have her as a teacher!"

Dr. John Salmon, Piano Professor, University of North Carolina-Greensboro

​

"Lis has taught at Ravenscroft School as one of our Part Time Piano Instructors for several years and brings such positive energy to our campus! She cares deeply about the individual needs of each student, and seeks to motivate and inspire each student to reach their utmost potential through the joy of making music. Lis is one of the most positive piano instructors I have ever met, but she does not sacrifice also holding her students to high expectations, and as a result, her students strive for their best. I have seen her students of all levels grow and mature to play with such musicality and expressiveness. From a beginner to the advancing pianist, I could not recommend a more positive and nurturing instructor!"

Cameron Bolin, Coordinator of Private Lessons, Ravenscroft School

​

"I have known Lis Malcolm for over seven years and she has my highest recommendation as a piano teacher.  Lis did outstanding work as an instructor, accompanist, and chamber musician at High Point University for seven years and always conducted herself in a most professional manner.   She is courteous, kind, capable and we at High Point University wish her the very best as she continues her career in the Raleigh area."

Marcia Dills, Assistant Professor of Music, High Point University

​

"Lis Malcolm is the best piano teacher my children have ever had! We move around a lot due to my husband's job and Lis was the fifth teacher we have practiced under in 9 years. She not only grew my children's love for music (piano and violin) she made it fun! The kids LOVED going and seeing her every week and showing Lis what they learned throughout the week. My youngest daughter who is 6 begged to take Lis with us to our next move. Thank you Lis for all your hard work and dedication to your students. You will greatly be missed."

Lindsey, Parent

 

"I took up piano for my 50th birthday, and knew nothing about music other than listening to the radio! It was intimidating to think about how little I knew and how much I had to learn. Thankfully, I found Lis! Lis has been my teacher for four years (and counting) and I have learned so much! She’s got me playing Bach! Lis is an absolute delight to work with and learn from. She is talented (she still performs, so is constantly improving and learning herself!), knowledgeable, patient, compassionate, and fun. She makes it a joy to have a lesson. She inspires and encourages. I would recommend Lis to anyone, of any age, who is looking for a piano teacher.”

Susan, Student

 

"We’ve been with this studio for 5 years, starting when my son was 4 years old. He has grown his love for music every year. We started with private lessons and moved to group when he was more comfortable playing on his own. Both experiences were perfect for what he needed. I thought he would be too young to start at 4 but Lis made me feel very comfortable. She was extremely patient and met him where he was, even as a wiggly little guy on the floor. She always has a positive attitude and does a great job challenging my son to achieve at a higher level. We could not be happier with our experience. He will carry his love and knowledge of music forever."

Kelley, Parent

​

"My daughter’s experience with Lis was fantastic. Not only is Lis highly trained and experienced, but also incredibly patient and kind. Lessons were organized, well-run, and fun - all so important, especially with a beginner student. The group lesson setting was new to me, but my daughter enjoyed the social aspect of it, as well as the chance to learn and grow alongside her peers."

Jen, Parent

​

“It’s hard to express in words just how grateful I am to Mrs. Malcolm for all the lessons and all the guidance. She has been both a wonderful mentor and instructor on my journey of learning to play piano. And it is truly amazing the progress I have made in such a relatively short time. As a beginner with no musical instrument experience whatsoever, Mrs. Malcolm patiently guided me through my lessons while making connections and suggestions in my practice that has both motivated me and given me the confidence to reach my goals. Mrs. Malcolm is a gifted instructor who has the ability to make anyone feel comfortable in their ability and I would highly recommend her."

Danni, Student

​

"Lis has been my piano teacher for a few years now and has been nothing short of amazing! She is an extremely competent and talented piano player, as well as an instructor. Lis's positivity is contagious and her encouragement makes you want to be a better pianist. I have appreciated her continuous efforts to advance my piano skills and know that she has always wanted to see me succeed. With Lis, I have learned numerous pieces that I love, better technique, and overall better piano skills. She is eager to see you flourish and be the best piano player possible!"

Ryan, Student

 

"Lis has creatively and energetically emparted the joy of creating music to my girls over the past 4 and 5 years respectively. Though very different in learning style and personality, she was able to encourage and challenge each one uniquely. Lis is a very talented musician and a gifted educator. We are so grateful to have had her as an instructor."

Vivian, Parent

 

"I’ve been taking lessons for almost a year now, and I have learned so much from Lis! She is so kind and patient and tailors every lesson to your skill set from week to week. It’s been a joy to learn how to play the piano from Lis. Mondays have quickly become my favorite day of the week because those are the days I get to play in my lesson! I have never once felt discouraged playing with her even when I have a tough week of playing because she’s always so thoughtful and considerate in the way she teaches!"

Kirsten, Student 

​

"Mrs. Malcolm's class is a great experience that will have you learning the piano in no time. Whether you are new to the piano or a skillful player, Mrs. Malcolm will guide you along the way and give you everything you need to accomplish your piano goal. Her excellent teaching and fun personality has students always registering every semester."

Trey, Student 

​

"I have been taking piano lessons with Ms. Malcolm for 4 years, she has helped me grow from a beginner piano player to the mature player I am today. She has pushed to be the best player I can be. Ms. Malcolm is encouraging, thoughtful and an excellent teacher. Learning an instrument can be frustrating but she has made it one of the most enjoyable experiences."

Olivia, Student

​

"Mrs. Malcolm was our daughter's first piano teacher and made amazing progress with her in just 15 months. Mrs. Malcolm is patient and encouraging with her students. She is a gifted pianist and teacher that inspires her students to love the piano as she clearly does."

Jennifer, Parent

 

"This has been my first year back playing piano since 6th grade. I started playing piano in kindergarten and was worried I had forgotten the basics. Mrs. Malcolm diligently worked with me to get me back up to speed and was patient in reteaching the little concepts to me. I feel like I have learned more from her in one semester than I had in the past 5 years."

Allie, Student

​

"Our two daughters ages 8 and 10 have had Lis as their private piano instructor for 2 years.  I have listened to both girls improve, fine tune, learn the fundamentals of music and enjoy participating in recitals.  Each of my girls are now trying to play the piano together, improvising songs as duets voluntarily!  They each will stop when passing our piano (which sits in the hallway of our living space)  to play a tune which I love to hear and see. Thank you Lis!  Girls love you!"

Suji, Parent

​

"For my first piano lessons through HPU, I am so glad I took them from Mrs. Malcolm. I had years of lessons and experience before entering college, but she has taught me so many helpful things that I didn't even think I needed to know! She has pushed me to challenge myself with the music I'm playing and I look forward to taking lessons from her again in the future."

Jillian, Student

 

"Our son, Lauchlin, started piano lessons with Ms. Malcolm three years ago in first grade. Her patience and upbeat attitude towards teaching children music has made her a favorite amongst Lauchlin's teachers! He looks forward to his weekly lessons, enjoys his performances, and plans to continue his love of learning piano from her! We highly recommend Ms. Malcolm!!"

Nikki, Parent

 

"After taking piano lessons with the same teacher for 6 years I was nervous to start with someone new but I quickly realized that I couldn't have found better. Over the past year and a half Lis has helped me develop my skills tremendously and has always been encouraging and supportive of my growth as a pianist. I would heartily recommend Lis as a teacher for anyone considering taking lessons!"

Landon, Student

 

"My 8 year old daughter adores Ms. Lis and loves her piano lessons. We could not be more happy."

Denise, Parent

​

"Mrs. Malcolm is very caring and incredibly passionate about teaching piano. She doesn't give up on students and continues to always believe in them. She's always enthusiastic to teach us new lessons.  I'm so happy I was able to have her as my first piano teacher."

Anna, Student

 

"Mrs. Lis is so enthusiastic and cheerful at each lesson.  She is always encouraging and motivates me to do my best.  She plays the violin beautifully and takes her time to teach even the small details."

Lily, Student 

 

"Lis is an amazing teacher! Both of my girls look forward to their lessons."

Mike, Parent

 

"As someone who is new to piano, Elisabeth does a fantastic job of making the instrument fun to learn. I am so lucky that I have been able to learn in her teaching environment and she has made me appreciate music as a whole!”

Court, Student

​

"Mrs. Lis has been teaching piano to my 8 year old daughter from the past two years. She's an amazing teacher and person. Also, she really knows how to work with little kids."

Mandeep, Parent

​

"Lis has been the perfect instructor for my daughter these past 4 years.  My daughter has grown to appreciate the lessons and wants to continue despite a very busy school schedule! I credit that ambition to continue to Lis.  She has been amazing!  Thank you!"

Karen, Parent

​

"Ms. Malcolm is without a doubt my favorite teacher on my campus. I would recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat. She tailors every lesson to your ability, whether you've never read a music note in your life or you've been playing for years. She takes you through things step by step and never makes you feel discouraged. Her friendliness and kindness make lessons fun and stress free."

Amanda, Student

​

"I had the distinct pleasure of working with Lis in two ways - she was a piano student of mine through her teenage years as well as a teacher at my studios in Durham for 5 years. What a pleasure to see her blossom as a student into a mature and expressive performer, and then to take those rare and incredible skills to blossom as a teacher! Her creativity, deep sense of musical expression, quest to learn, and dedication to her students makes her one of the greatest assets in our musical community. My message to any one who becomes a student of Lis - you will want to stay!"

Kerry Henry, Owner and Piano Instructor, Kerry Henry Piano Studios

​

"Combined with her great sensitivity, Lis Malcolm's expressive and dynamic playing inspired me to explore the art of playing the piano duet with her. She has an innate understanding of how to create beauty and convey the essence of music through her natural expressions. Besides being a great friend, Lis is a great collaborative artist; she is down-to-earth, supportive and easy to work with and has a keen sense for feeling the energy of other musicians. When we play together, we don't just make music, we create magic!" 

Dr. Mayumi Osada, Adjunct Professor, HPU