By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Since 1996, Michael and Denie Riggs have taught thousands of people from preschoolers to Ph. Ds how to unlock their God-given musical gifts through an innovative, incremental approach that uses piano as its foundation. I don’t believe I have ever interviewed anyone for the front page of Athens Now that has a near century of combined teaching experience spread between only two people, but these two have been at it awhile. Denie began to play at the age of 3, and started teaching when she was 12. She now has 63 years under her belt, and Michael estimates he logs in at about 30 years, and as an ordained minister, also has a background in electronics.
Musically speaking, both Michael and Denie have been what could be called “classically trained,” but they have also availed themselves of a musical education that has come from a variety of resources. As people of faith, they have focused on developing worshippers, and have had the opportunity to do so both here and abroad. They have online classes as well.
The name of their school is simply Perfect Praise Music, and their foundational Scripture is Revelation 22:2, which talks of the environment of healing and worship that awaits us in heaven. Until then, we are all commanded to bring as much of that as possible to our fellow human beings, and it is to that end that the Riggses have dedicated themselves.
Denie’s primary instrument is piano, and Michael’s is guitar. Michael told me they “believe in building a thorough foundation that is incremental. This is so nothing is missed. Students ought to be trained so they can play anything they want.” He then added that Perfect Praise Music students will be equipped so that they can “navigate music theory on the instrument of their choice.”
Now, lest you think this sounds a bit stuffy, these guys are anything but. They literally put the “fun” into music fundamentals. As parents of five, and grandparents of a veritable passel, they have taught every type of student. Denie has specialized in the “littles,” and right now they have room in their preschool program. Denie has written early childhood musical curriculum as well as a book whose subject is essentially “music for babies.” Its title is Perfect Praise Baby, and it is available on Amazon. Denie makes an interesting observation, regarding music, babies and their brains, which is:
The Perfect Praise Baby book contains musical tools to take your baby from newborn through all of the stages to strong walker. Over 200 variations are given, along with the amazing music research specific to babies. For instance: At this age, more neural synapses are seeking paths to wire in a baby’s brain than at any other age. Music stimulation at this time of your child’s development changes brain wiring for the rest of his/her life.
Denie also has experience with teaching music to people who struggle with autism, dementia, and other challenges. She and Michael have taught the Perfect Praise model on the mission field as well, which brings us to the focus of this article. The Riggses know that we are both fearfully and wonderfully made, and that believers serve the Chief Musician. That being said, Michael and Denie are the most intent on equipping worshippers musically and spiritually of any age, background, denomination, and experience, having done so by the thousands over the last almost thirty years. There is a fascinating Scripture that talks about God seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth, and worship is something that transcends music; it is a lifestyle for all, and something Michael and Denie love to teach. Even if you do not consider yourself to be a musician, they know that if you are a human, you have some music in you,
and they want to teach you how to “let it out and help it grow.” By the way, “coming soon,” folks from North Alabama will have the opportunity to take a music writer’s workshop with award-winning worship leader and Christian recording artist Lenny LeBlanc. It will be held on February 22, and you can find more information on the Perfect Praise Facebook page.
I asked Michael why I should choose Perfect Praise Music for myself, a child, or a grandchild, and here is what he said: “We believe our approach to music has the ability to maximize intelligence, produce skilled musicians, and teach little ones in a worship-based, fun environment.” Visit online today at www.perfectpraisemusic.com to see if Perfect Praise is right for you or your family.
Facebook: Perfect Praise Music
Email: info@perfectpraisemusic.com
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
January 3, 2025
