What started as teaching piano lessons out of her living room in 2014 has flourished into Kim Dale’s dream: the opening of Innovative Music & Arts, a studio in Valparaiso.
She began with one petite piano on wheels for her handful of students to practice on. After some time, Dale was able to expand her instrument collection.
“Eventually we ended up with five pianos, guitars, three harps, ukuleles...it was crowded!” Dale said.
The 10-by-15-foot space didn’t limit Dale’s teaching one bit. She continued to fit students into her schedule to make sure each person got the incredible training they heard so much about.
“In my home, as of a year and a half ago, I was teaching 45 students a week,” Dale said.
It was clear to Dale that she had to find a new location for her students to practice in order to grow. Searching for a new spot led her to an area on the northwest side of town, right on U.S. Route 6.
“A little over a year ago, we moved into our commercial space and now we have over 2,000 square feet of room, so it was crazy moving here with all this space to use,” Dale said.
In addition to her piano, harp, and other instrument lessons, Dale also added theatre and ballet classes to her studio. She has realized the importance of providing options for each and every fine arts student through her work in teaching, whether it's for fun or pre-professional purposes.
“We want our students to develop a lifelong love for music, or whatever art they are choosing. We also want to equip them with whatever skills they need and to continue to fulfill any goals they may have,” Dale said.
Dale credits her teaching staff for their continuous help since Fall 2020. The same staff has been helping teach Dale’s students for almost a year now.
“They are doing wonderfully; they are all excellent teachers and are very skilled in their instruments,” Dale said. “They are also very personable and encouraging to the students.”
As a Northwest Indiana resident since 2008, Dale has made it a priority to spread her passion for music throughout the area.
“I want to notice the needs in the community and meet them in the best way possible,” Dale said.
With Innovative Music & Arts, Dale has extended her lessons to Valparaiso’s homeschool students by partnering with Valpo Parks and its program, Active Arts, during the school year.
No matter the age, Dale wants prospective students to know that there is no expiration date when it comes to music.
“We have students from three years old all the way up into their seventies,” Dale said. “It’s never too late.”
Dale’s own family members did not start to get intrigued by the magic of music until later in life. She recalls her great grandmother taking the initiative to get Dale’s mother involved in piano-playing when Dale was five years old.
“I think my passion for music might be a multi-generational passion,” Dale said with a laugh. “My mom still has the piano that my great grandmother bought her and she learned on and then, in turn, taught my siblings and I as kids.”
Growing up, Dale herself would perform at church events after learning to play the piano and harp with her siblings.
“As a family, we performed quite a bit with piano, then my sister played violin, my brother played the flute, I played the harp, and we all sang together,” Dale said.
Dale’s family eventually came together to form their very own handbell choir, where they performed at local senior living homes in her native city, Pittsburgh, Pa. They also performed in what Dale calls “mini tours” around the country.
“God gives each of us something special, whether that’s a talent, passion, or interest, and I think realizing that and using it with purpose to help other people will bring more joy to life,” Dale said.
Bringing joy to her students is something Dale loves. Seeing music and arts impact their lives in real-time is by far her favorite part of teaching.
“Seeing my students get into a groove, grasping onto the concepts, and them lighting up saying ‘Yeah, I can do this, I understand it!’ as it becomes a part of who they are is one of the biggest highlights,” Dale said.
Aside from her studio, Dale does other creative work such as gardening, seamstressing, and making chalk art.
“With chalk art, you can do it to music or tell a story while you’re doing it, and all of the pieces really come together,” Dale said.
She also cherishes the company of her husband and three kids.