Behnke Brings Lifelong Love of Music to Deer Park Piano Students

For Elwyn Behnke, teaching piano is about more than learning to read notes or play scales; it is about helping students discover the joy of making music in their own way. Behnke, a Deer Park resident, is offering piano lessons from his home studio at 711 E. B Street. He said his mission is simple, “Helping unique individuals find joy in making their own music.”

His connection to music began when he was a child. “Some of my earliest memories are of my grandmother playing piano in church,” Behnke said. His grandmother, the daughter of pioneers in western Oregon, learned to play piano by ear without formal instruction.

Music was also a regular part of Behnke’s extended family gatherings, where he watched older cousins play and wished he could do the same. That opportunity came when he was 11 years old. Behnke said a new neighbor, who was an accomplished pianist, began offering lessons.

The $10 monthly tuition for weekly one-hour lessons was difficult for Behnke’s widowed mother, who was raising six sons. Behnke, however, had a paper route and was able to earn enough money to pay for his lessons and make payments on a new bicycle. His teacher initially rented a piano for the family, and after six months, the family purchased one. “We both had skin in the game,” Behnke said. He said he now uses that experience when talking with parents about music lessons, encouraging them to consider having children contribute something toward the cost of their lessons. “I tell parents that allowing their children to contribute something of value towards tuition expenses can offer ownership,” he said. “My early investments still pay big dividends.” Behnke said his formal piano training ended during his third year of lessons when his teacher changed jobs and moved away. He continued developing his skills on his own and, as a young adult, played music for church and taught all five of his children to play piano.

In the 1980s, Behnke shared that he began taking college classes in religion and music. He was later hired in another state to teach elementary band to fifth and sixth grade students. Those experiences led him to attend college full time. With the support of his wife, Behnke said he was able to continue his education. Thirty years after graduating from high school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from Eastern Washington University. For the past several decades, Behnke said, music has remained an important part of his professional life. His work included serving as a music leader for churches and working as a freelance pianist for weddings, funerals, and parties, as well as accompanying choirs. During that time, he also maintained a private teaching studio with as many as 24 students per week.

Behnke and his wife retired five years ago and built a new home in Deer Park. The home includes a dedicated studio space, which Behnke said he uses for his piano lessons. His teaching philosophy is based on the belief that students learn music in different ways. “Each of us is unique and has our own best way of learning,” Behnke said. “Our senses of seeing, hearing, and feeling are all part of this mix.” Some students may readily learn to read and follow written music, he said, while others may be more comfortable learning to make music without relying heavily on written notes. “It is my job as a teacher to help students find their most effective methods,” he said.

Behnke also recognizes that learning an instrument requires commitment and practice and that not every student will ultimately pursue advanced musical skills. Still, he said there is value in simply exploring music. “I believe all who give music a try will have a heightened appreciation and understanding of music,” Behnke said. “Nothing is wasted in exploration of our unique selves. We must honor each learning experience.”

Behnke’s full piano lesson term runs from Oct. 5 through June 10 and includes 36 weeks of study. The program includes 31 individual lessons and two recital/performance classes. For more information, contact Behnke at 503-437-2380 or elwynb48@gmail.com.