Her Impact

What have you gone on to accomplish in music or in life that you attribute to Bonnie's influence?

"After earning my Bachelor in Music from the U, I completed a Master of Music in Piano Performance from BYU under Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. I am currently applying for medical school as well. She has been my biggest cheerleader in all of my musical and academic aspirations. As her granddaughter, I’ll continue living a life full of passion, service, and education; a life that she would be proud of."

-Candace Winterton, piano student & granddaughter

"As far as piano and music go, I earned a Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance at Utah State University, and continue to enjoy practicing piano, and sharing music whenever I can. I now am a piano teacher and really love what I do. I’ve been teaching piano lessons for about 12 years now and I love it so much. I strive to be like my grandma in so many ways and I feel so honored and blessed to have had her tremendously positive influence in my life. Not only did she give me the gift of music, she taught me so many important life lessons along the way and has inspired me to be the best version of myself in all that I do. I love my dear grandma Bonnie and feel so lucky to have been so close to her and to continually feel her presence and influence in my life."

-Jacqueline Winterton Costley, piano student & granddaughter

"A love for classical music!"

-Rachel Miles, piano student & granddaughter

"I taught piano for a few years and found so much joy in it, particularly in helping the kids to really express through the music. I know that’s one way Bonnie helped me, so I hope I was able to pass it along."

-Emma Nelson Tatton, piano student

"I went on to get my bachelors in piano pedagogy at Utah State University and have my own piano studio now. I love sharing my love for music with others like Bonnie shared her love for music with me."

-Eliza Nelson Melville, piano student & granddaughter

"I received my bachelor’s in cello performance and have a private cello teaching studio. I try emulate her teaching style and techniques. I accompany all of my cello students on the piano. 

My current calling is primary pianist, which I love! And I am so glad she had me learn to play so many of the primary songs!"

-Alexis Thompson Watson, piano student

"I have been teaching piano for over 20 years because of Bonnie. I have been able to go on to blog about piano teaching, create piano teaching resources and give presentations at music teaching conferences. I attribute it all to her and her influence. She got me started on this path and it has greatly blessed my life. I have been able to serve in the church in many music callings, currently as primary chorister, and I am grateful every day for her influence and her testimony of the importance of music."

-Jenny Gibbons Boster, piano student

"I studied piano from my daughter, who was one of Bonnie's students, and still enjoy playing a little every day."

-Dan Gibbons, parent

"After receiving a bachelors in piano performance from the University of Utah I built my studio to 115 students before teaming up with The Piano Place in Utah. I am currently the General Studio Director of The Piano Place (a music lesson studio), which has seven locations across the valley and growing. I only mention the locations and amount to show the ripple effect that happen by Bonnie teaching me music. The lives I’ve been able to touch following in her footsteps and the lives those people will touch and so on. When I was 16 I knew that I wanted to figure out how to be Bonnie when I grew up. Her example has led me to a path of sharing music with so many others and I appreciate her for showing me what a fulfilling life this can be!"

-Jaime Taylor Varner, piano student

"I graduated from the University of Utah in piano performance! She helped me get into the program and receive a scholarship. I never could’ve or would’ve accomplished that without Bonnie."

-Victoria Vincent Winward

"I have a greater appreciation for classical music because of Bonnie. Whenever I get the chance, I always sit down to play the piano and reminisce about the memories with Bonnie. I played in my high school Concerto night and am now teaching piano to young kids."

-Eric Vincent, piano student

"Bonnie loved her students like they were her own. Both my son and daughter became accomplished pianists all due to Bonnie’s loving encouragement. I found Bonnie at a point when my children were ready to quit piano. Bonnie came to the rescue and my daughters love for piano increased where she graduated in piano performance from the University of Utah. My daughter viewed Bonnie as a best friend and confidant and together they would solve the world’s problems. My son was one of Bonnie’s last students before she stopped teaching. He looked forward to his lessons and couldn't believe how a tiny woman could have so much strength. She would push his back while saying “put more energy into your playing!” She taught him to “Slump” at the end of a piano performance. Both children participated in concerto night at their high schools and have piano studios of their own. As a vocalist, I will be forever indebted to Bonnie for teaching my children how to accompany. She could tickle the ivories like no other and she was an outstanding accompanist as well. I was fortunate to sing for her many times We will never forget this terrific lady!!!!" ❤️❤️❤️❤️

-Patrice Vincent, parent

"I am now a professor of biology at BYU, and I have realized that Bonnie was the first woman professor that I ever knew. She was an amazing example to me of a woman who loved and valued her family above all else while also using her unique gifts to bless the world. While I only teach piano here and there, teaching my university students is one of the greatest joys in my life. Bonnie taught me how to be a teacher that cares about each student and isn't afraid of giving needed feedback and sometimes correction (but always in a loving way)."

-Liz Gibbons Bailey, piano student

"I have taught piano lessons on and off for twenty years, accompanied many soloists and groups, including in college which was my source of income. I have had many musical callings at church through the years including ward organist, primary chorister, and primary pianist."

-Abby Gibbons Shawcroft