Since 1979, Medardo “Matt” and Debra Pérez have brought music to life in South Texas. Matt says, “As pianists, music educators, and retailers, everything we do at Valley Keyboards and The Piano Gallery is inspired by our love for music, our passion for music education, and our devotion to expanding the music and arts culture in our community.

The vision and guiding values are based on the simple and compelling belief that both appreciating and making music is for everyone. At any age, at any level, making music truly can enhance the quality of life.”

Matt and Debra will be honored by the Valley Symphony Orchestra as the 2019 Cultural Leaders of the Year at their Feb. 7 gala event, “Divas of the Symphony.” The Cultural Leader award recognizes individuals who have played a key role in enriching the arts and cultural community of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Perezes’ love for the piano began in childhood and resulted in both Matt and Debra earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Piano Performance. Matt earned his BM and MM from the University of North Texas. Debra earned her MM at Southern Methodist and Ball State Universities.

In 1980, Valley Keyboards was formed and Matt’s journey as an entrepreneur began. As both a musician and a business owner, he was uniquely positioned to grow Valley Keyboards as a musical leader in the Valley. “I remember reading a quote from Aristotle that said, ‘Where talents and the needs of the world cross, therein lies your vocation.’ I believe that in the truest sense of the word, a vocation calls to you to express your voice, passion, and talents to the world to share something impactful and meaningful. In my mind, every life needs music and my mission is to give people something beautiful that they did not know they were missing,” says Matt.

In 2001, Valley Keyboards opened Miller Hall, their onsite venue to host performance events, master classes, and educational workshops. Miller Hall is dedicated to Matt’s beloved piano teachers, Eva, and Gertrude Miller. The Miller sisters taught piano, organ, violin and accordion lessons for more than 60 years in McAllen. “Eva and Gertrude were much more than piano teachers to me,” says Matt. “They were like beloved second grandmothers. Both teachers nurtured a deep love for classical music and inspired the discipline to strive for excellence. Naming our hall after them is my way of honoring their musical legacy and the impact they had on my life.”

Debra is director of music education for Valley Keyboards. She is nationally recognized as a group piano specialist, curriculum developer, clinician and music mentor. Her speaking credits include engagements at the Music Teachers National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy, National Association of Music Merchants, and numerous universities and music stores around the country.

Debra has co-authored three beginner piano programs for a variety of ages that are designed to create a fun and creative environment for learning. Her books are being used in studios and schools throughout the country. “I passionately believe that every child should receive a music and arts education,” says Debra. “Music should not be considered a luxury, but rather a necessity. A music education is one of the most valuable and enduring gifts we can give a child. Music training sharpens qualities of concentration and focus, develops confidence and poise, and improves listening skills, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I love sharing this positive message with parents in our community.” “Musical Moments,” Valley Keyboards’ piano classes for adult hobbyists, have become a model for private studios and music schools. “I have had the pleasure of bringing the joy of music to thousands of adults who have always dreamed of playing the piano,” says Debra. “For many adult students, music becomes part of their health and wellness initiatives. This group of students requires a different approach and philosophy to be successful. The lessons cannot be about mastery and perfection. But, with a focus on enjoying the process of learning and creating fun musical experiences with their classmates, adult hobbyists are some of the most rewarding students!”