Grace Bardsley
author

Grace was born and raised in Western Massachusetts. Hers was a musical family and her earliest musical memories are of gathering around the piano with her parents and siblings to make music.

Grace attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana where she studied voice, piano, and composition. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition.

Grace has lived in the Chicago area since 1980 and has served as director of children’s choirs in several different churches. She has been on the boards of The St. Charles Art & Music Festival, The Norris Cultural Arts Center, and St. Charles Singers. Grace is a founding member of St. Charles Singers, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009.  As a member of the choir, she has had the honor of working with many gifted musicians including John Rutter, Tim Brown, and George Shearing. 

Presently, Grace teaches private piano lessons in her home with a special emphasis on beginning students. She is as excited today as ever (perhaps even more so) about the opportunity to share music with children and families. Grace is co-author of "What if we…?” The Quest and Questions of Leonardo and Athena - A Fine Arts Journey.

Larry Dieffenbach
author

Larry began piano studies at age 7 in his hometown of Merrillville, IN. At 16 he made his orchestral debut under the baton of New York conductor Broch Macelherin. He completed his undergraduate studies at Olivet Nazarene University graduating with magna cum laude honors and inclusion in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. While at Olivet, Larry was active as an accompanist for numerous ensembles and solo recitals. He performed at President Carter's inauguration festivities during his freshman year. In 1982, Larry pursued graduate studies at The University of Colorado in Boulder.

Larry moved to Geneva, IL in 1984 to become the Educational Director at Cordogan's Pianoland. Since living in the area, he has been the Musical Director of Lincoln Opera, accompanist for many soloists and ensembles including the St. Charles Singers, the Elgin Arts Chorale, and the St. Charles Art & Music Festival. He founded and directed the International Piano Competition for the festival. He has served as organist for Geneva United Methodist Church and Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles. He was the past sub-dean and dean of the Fox Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Currently, Larry teaches privately in his Geneva home, teaches Kindermusik in St. Charles, is a part-time instructor at Elgin Community College, and serves as the Music Director of the American Grands concert. He is the Music Director at the Little Home Church by the Wayside located in Wayne. Larry has co-authored a new book/ music curriculum called What if we…?” The Quest and Questions of Leonardo and Athena.

Mark Reinhart
illustrator

Mark has spent his life in the arts and creative expression. It all started in Merrillville, Indiana where he was raised, along with seven siblings, by parents who were both music teachers. Mark spent his first 25 years in summer musical theatre directed and produced by his parents. Mark continued his education in art, music, scenic design, voice, acting, choreography and piano from childhood through high school and then at Indiana University.

Mark moved to Los Angeles in 1982 and found work with the production staff for The AFI Awards and The Acadamey Awards. He also worked for The Walt Disney Company in Publicity Stills and the Archives Photo Library. Eventually Mark created his own company, lasting impressions creative arts, in Burbank, California. The goal of lasting impressions is to provide an outlet for Mark’s designs and the original artwork. You will find artwork reproduced as greeting cards and gifts available online through his website. Other services include, complete interior makeovers, custom murals, illustrations, and graphic design.

Mark’s latest project illustrating “What if we…?” The Quest and Questions of Leonardo and Athena has brought together his interest and talents in music, art, and history.