Picture Gallery
TESTIMONIALS
What Parents, Students, and Colleagues are saying about their LDMS experience.
The Zuniga Family
“Our deepest gratitude for Teacher Lily and her marvelous music program. Her love for all that is good and beautiful uplifts and inspires, not only her students but all who know her. We stand a little taller and try a little harder because we know Teacher Lily.
Indeed, her greatest gift may be, the ability to kindle within us the desire to become better. Teacher Lily, our family thanks you for your patience, kindness, and dedication. May the Lord’s richest blessings be upon you and your family.”
—The Zuniga Family
Gerardo Inzunza
“We acknowledge Teacher Lily for her joyful and dedicated spirit in teaching and inspiring young artists.” —The Inzunza Family
Caitlin Aye
“Thank you, Teacher Lily, for your love and support. Caitlin is inspired to learn more because of you!” —The Aye Family
Victoria Salazar
“It is truly incredible to see how much Victoria has learned within 6 months with Teacher Lily! We are looking forward to see where she goes from here.” —The Salazar family
Sophia Lalas and Julienne Role
“‘Blessed is the teacher who nurtures the heart of a child.’ Thank you, Teacher Lily, for nurturing our children’s hearts and talents. You give them ‘wings’ to fly high!” —The Role Family & Lalas Family
Pearly Chase
Meg Zeleny
“From one whose life is defined and circumscribed by Music to another — a true artist. Lily, how many lives you have touched; souls you have nurtured… Congratulations!! I have been deeply moved by our shared journeys together. —Meg Zeleny, choral conductor and music colleague
Jeffrey Daniel Rudolf, PhD
“Dear Teacher Lily, I’m now a cancer researcher, happily married and a father to two girls. I can’t thank you enough for the 10 amazing years I had studying piano with you from age 8-18! You gave me all the tools in life to be happy and successful.” —Jeffrey Rudolf
3 Musketeers+ with Teacher Lily
The 3 Musketeers
Devon Hunt, Timothy Rantung, Michael Patterson
“Dear Teacher Lily, I’m taking to heart my fabulous IIYM experience! I’m going to practice 5 hours a day…no promises though. Thank you for all your support and being such a wonderful teacher.” —Michael Patterson
“Dear Teacher Lily, IIYM (International Institute for Young Musicians) was so fun! It really helped me focus and grow so much in my musical skill & understanding.” —Devon Hunt
“Dear Teacher Lily, Thank you for the wonderful IIYM experience! After hearing all the great music, I know I can accomplish more challenging pieces. 200% of my ability will show this year, I promise!” —Timothy Rantung
Amy Tan and the 3 Musketeers+
“I want to congratulate you on your 50 years of teaching music. It is an amazing accomplishment! Thank you for everything you taught me. The musical skills are ones I treasure now and they have set me on the route to doing so many fun projects with music. You didn’t just teach me piano, though. I learned to work and perform under pressure and to have a presence on stage. Today, I am quite comfortable in front of an audience and that ease, despite butterflies in my stomach, was founded in the competitions, recitals, and other performances you arranged for us. Being part of the 3 Musketeers+ was so much fun and I treasure those memories so much! My time studying with you has made a lasting impact on my life.” —Amy Tan
David Collett
“To one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing — Dr. Lily Pan Diehl. For all that you said and did for me when you were my college instructor, for every time you laughed, for every encouragement and criticism you gave to me-in all ways, for all these years, you have been a pillar in my life.” —David Collett, engineer, artist
Natalia Padilla
Dear Teacher Lily, “Thank you for teaching me piano. Someday I would like a grand piano like yours.” —Natalia Padilla
Lily and Gustavo
“If there is someone who comes to mind when thinking of the word “Giving,” that’s YOU. You give love, joy and health to all who are around you. I love our time performing together, especially in Lithuania. Next year, let’s perform in Argentina. Let’s keep practicing!”
—Gustavo Tolosa, DMA
Land Zuniga
To Teacher Lily, “Here’s my token of appreciation for all you’ve taught me.” —Land Zuniga
Kristy (McAlear) Plata
“Dear Teacher Lily, Everyone has that ONE teacher in their life that made a difference. Not only did you give me the joy of music, but you gave me the encouragement to stretch outside of my comfort zone, be a go-getter, and accomplish more than I would ever dream! Thank you for always teaching with your heart and inspiring me to live my best life! I cherish all the years of lessons…when I was a child, during college, bringing my three children back for lessons, and our time now!” (2021) —Kristy (McAlear) Plata, school principal, teacher
Marius Ionita
“I remember all the wonderful piano lessons I had with you. Do you still have the plaque outside your studio? It said: “A teacher takes a hand, opens the mind and touches the heart.” Your teaching went beyond music. You molded my mind and exerted a tremendous godly influence on me. I still play for church, lead out in youth programs and occasionally preach! Your lessons will always remain with me.” —Marius Ionita, nurse
Lacy Anderson
Dear Dr Lily, “You are by far the most profound music educator I have ever had. Thank you for always believing in me, pushing me, and giving me a life-long love.” —Lacy Anderson, music therapist
Kristy 🌸 Lily 🌸 Chi