As Kent Rautenstraus begins to lightly touch the piano keys, a familiar tune floats through the clubhouse at Encanterra. A few people who were deep in conversation look over and smile. The sounds of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas are familiar to all, and there is nothing quite like music to put you in the holiday mood. Kent has been obsessed with music for much of his life. It was his grandmother who was his first teacher from the age of four. By the time he was 13 he had been hired to play for his first wedding ceremony. Eventually he would go on to play for parties, horse shows, even the opening of shops.
Originally from Colorado, Kent did not actually think he would carve a career for himself in music despite his deep love for the piano. In college he majored in journalism and thought of a different future. However, his clear talent and abilities eventually got him noticed by a local church where he ended up spending 43 years as their music director. In addition, he was the requested pianist for 12 years by the governor of Colorado Roy Romer.
Kent's career as a pianist has taken him to places he never imagined. He has played at events where he has performed before John Denver, Omar Sharif, Prince Phillip, and even in the East Wing of the White House for President Bill Clinton. Today, Kent and his wife have called Queen Creek their home since 2024 and love it. He is no longer music director at his church but he still plays private parties and at senior communities.
During Christmas, in particular, music plays such an important role. Kent has seen the impact of playing holiday favorites especially at senior communities. Playing for the elderly, he says is a favorite of his, recalling his own grandmother and what she meant to him. Kent will often get requests and is happy to play tunes that bring back memories as well as that holiday spirit. Kent says he has even witnessed seniors with memory issues suddenly break into song when he begins to play a song from their youth.
Music is as much a source of healing as it is festive and entertaining. Kent appears to play with such ease that the piano seems to be an extension of him. However, it is perhaps his passion for music and the joy it invites around the piano that keeps him playing for his audience.
www.kentrautenstraus.com