Liberace's primary piano instructor was Florence Bettray-Kelly.
The Influence of Florence Bettray-Kelly
Florence Bettray-Kelly played a pivotal role in Liberace's musical education, guiding him through his formative years and continuing to support his career even after he became a household name.
- Formal Training Begins (1933): After quickly excelling beyond the basic piano lessons he received from his family, Liberace began his formal instruction with Florence Bettray-Kelly in 1933. This marked the start of a significant seventeen-year scholarship he held at the Wisconsin College of Music.
- Long-Term Mentorship: Bettray-Kelly's dedication to Liberace's musical development was profound. She not only taught him during his extensive scholarship period but continued to coach him long after he achieved international fame, demonstrating a lasting professional and personal commitment to his artistry.
Her rigorous teaching and sustained mentorship were fundamental to the development of Liberace's exceptional piano skills and his flamboyant performance style.
Learn more about Liberace's life and career on his Wikipedia page.