About Cheri
Cheri LaRue began playing piano at age five and first performed publicly at age 12. Classically trained, she's also proficient in pop, sacred, jazz, standards, contemporary worship, big band and Broadway repertoire. Cheri's love of all music provides many outlets in her career. She has played large venues and small. She was part of a high school jazz band that brought the legendary Stan Kenton and his entire band to their school in Troy, MO for a performance (glory days!). She has served as accompanist for choirs, vocalists and instrumental soloists for most of her life.
Cheri began teaching when some families in the church where she served as pianist asked her to teach their children. She has taught privately since that time and currently has 48 private piano students with a waiting list of 46. Cheri's students in a small Christian school took top honors at state and international levels for many years.
When performance assumed prominence, Cheri was asked for recordings. Her first CD was a collection of Christmas music from classical to jazz. Her second CD features tunes of the 30's and 40's. Future recordings will include other period music, a children's CD featuring Disney tunes, a sacred/contemporary worship CD and perhaps show tunes. A demo recording is available for prospective clients.
As a live performer, Cheri's greatest strengths are her versatility and artistry. She tailors music to her listeners. Recent engagements include class reunions with music of the celebrants' school years to Winemaker Dinners. Oscar parties using movie themes, weddings and receptions, church get-togethers, and society galas have all heard Cheri. She is a member of Musicians Association Local 2-197, AFM of St. Louis, MO. Upcoming public performances will be posted regularly on this website. An electric keyboard is available as needed.
Cheri is married to Gary Leifert and they have two sons, Jared Leifert, a professional bassist in Los Angeles and Josh Leifert, a restaurant manager at Duffy's in Richmond Heights, MO. Josh has also blessed them with a lovely daughter-in-law, Marci and two delightful grandchildren, Holly and Tucker.