Meet The Teacher

Elaine Bovender teaches piano in her home studio in Wilmington, North Carolina.  She has had more than 40 years experience as a piano teacher and professional pianist.  She is currently the pianist for gospel singer, Al Watkins and often assists him in concert performances and ministry opportunities.  She serves as music director/pianist for Silver Lake Baptist Church.

Miss Elaine (as her students call her) began playing the piano at the age of three years old on a small, toy piano. After her parents discovered her gift of music, they saved up and purchased a piano and sent her to a marvelous teacher.  When she was an advanced student, her teacher allowed her to substitute teach for her on occasion and Miss Elaine knew that teaching was what she wanted to do.  After more study, she opened her own studio in 1978 while at the same time continuing her own education in music. While in college, she was honored to contribute written and recorded material for a collegiate level music appreciation textbook written by her professor, Dr. Michael Naylor. Miss Elaine holds a BS in Music Ministry.  She regularly attends seminars and other teacher training and continuing education events to keep her teaching skills sharp and up-to-date with the latest methods.  In being a mother of three grown daughters and grandmother six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, she relates very well to children.  She is a very patient teacher with a kind and loving spirit.