After living abroad for the last four years, I’m incredibly thrilled to say we’ve moved back to Northern Colorado!” said Dirk Kraus, owner and founder of Windsor’s Piano & Guitar Institute. “I am so happy to teach in person. It’s good to be home, I’m ready to rock!” 

Dirk studied music through school, finishing his Ph.D. in music at Louisiana State University. He taught his first music lesson in 1985. “From the very first time I taught piano, I knew that’s what I was meant to do in life. The joy of music is best shared, and I get to do that every single day,” he said. 

When Dirk met his wife, Jen, they set out to find the perfect place to open a music school. “We explored options across the country, and Northern Colorado stood out for its mix of beauty, outdoor recreation, and a great place to teach music,” Dirk said.

The Kraus family moved to Northern Colorado in August 2001 and opened The Piano & Guitar Institute that November. For over two decades, the school has provided guitar and piano lessons to thousands of students, both kids and adults. Operating out of its main campus on Main Street in Windsor, the school employs seven instructors and teaches more than 200 students each week. “We made the right decision way back then. Northern Colorado is special,” he said. 

 

Christie Herndon has taught at the school and helped serve as the Operations Manager for more than 15 years. With Christie on board, the Kraus family has been able to live in Germany for the past four years. Through a partnership with the Poudre School District and the John F. Kennedy School, Jen taught 5th and 6th grades in Berlin. Dirk split his work between online students and sessions around the city. 

Thanks to his ability to teach anyone, anywhere, Dirk has amassed clients on five continents, including many from Northern Colorado. “I love that I can connect with people from across the globe with music. It’s been really beautiful,” he said. 

“We’ve loved living abroad, but we’re glad to be back home,” Dirk explained. “I love being able to teach more students in person and work with the team again. When I teach online, I can’t duet with students, and we can’t play together. I didn’t realize how much I missed that. Learning can happen either way, but it’s great to be able to play together again.” 

Dirk will continue teaching students online, as well as at the Windsor Piano & Guitar Institute. He’s also looking forward to attending their annual Halloween Party. This event is a music recital, complete with candy and costumes. “It’s so fun and everyone loves it. I can’t wait to be there in person this year,” he said. 

The Kraus family is settling back into life in the States. Their oldest son, Jayden, is heading to college in the fall. Their twins, Alia and Riley, will be in high school this year. Dirk loves to ride his bike and loves all the new trails that have been constructed in the time they were gone.  

“I just want to take a moment to thank our students and staff for sticking with us through COVID and us living abroad. I am beyond grateful to be back, learning and making music.” 

Piano & Guitar Institute offers in-person, online, and hybrid classes. Their new student special is an incredible deal—get 12 weeks of in-person or online classes for just $375, a savings of $206. This is a great way to try guitar or piano with little commitment. 

Learn more at pianoandguitarinstitute.com.