Cheryl Thornton received her BM in Piano Performance from Colorado State University, where she studied with Dr. Robert Nisbett, Dr.Wendel Diebel and Dr. Larry Day. Since, Cheryl has continued her education with notable teachers such as N. Jane Tan, Joan Brown, Paul Pollei and Seymour Bernstein. Cheryl held positions as Treasurer of both the Loveland, Colorado Music Teachers Association and the Bellevue, Washington Music Teachers Association.
Cheryl was Vice-President of Membership and President of the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association from 2008 to 2010. She was President of the Nevada Music Teachers Association from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, she received the Nevada Music Teachers Association Outstanding Service Award.
Cheryl chaired international Piano Teams® competitions for the Well Prepared Pianist Institute, the Bolognini Scholarship Competition, and the Roger Bushell Scholarship Competition..
She developed music curriculums for two schools – the Jewish Community School on Mercer Island, WA, and Chatsworth Hills Academy in Chatsworth, CA.
Besides teaching, Cheryl’s passion is ensemble playing and coaching Piano Teams® – 5 pianists playing on 5 pianos. Her piano teams have competed in international competitions and won. She has performed on a teacher team for 20 years. She is a church organist and choir accompanist, as well. Cheryl currently serves as President of the Nevada Music Teachers Association.
Most recently, she is the 2021 recipient of the Hall of Fame Steinway Teacher of the Year Award.