About Ms. Mary

Mary Liggins-Goodrich founded Merry Fingers Enterprises, dba Merry Fingers Piano Studio, in 2006, as the pinnacle to a life-long love for music, particularly via the piano.

As the second youngest of sixteen children, born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mary Liggins Goodrich — Ms. Mary, as she’s endearingly referred to by her students—understands fully the time commitment and financial sacrifice a family makes to include fine arts activities or sports in their child’s life.

Ms. Mary’s parents knew there were benefits tied to that commitment and cost and ensured she took piano lessons most of her childhood, beginning at age six. Many years since that first lesson, piano playing is still her passion. After majoring in music at Capital University and The Ohio State University, Ms. Mary enjoyed a thirty-year profession as pianist and organist for various A.M.E. churches throughout Ohio.

During those early years of her profession, she began private piano lessons. Included among her first students were Arnett Howard, highly acclaimed musician and international band leader, and Pamela Wise, accomplished jazz pianist/composer. She also taught piano to all five of her children, as well as to some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Years ago, Ms. Mary had put her piano teaching on hold while she built an impressive business career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, reaching status as Future National Sales Director. She now knows that the thrill of having won fifteen cars (four of them the famous “Pink Cadillac”), and the delight of leading hundreds of women to high-income levels, could never compare with the joy she feels these days when her piano students master their scales or perform in their first recital. Because at that point, with a dash of interest, and a bucketful of perseverance, a promising musical career can occur—just as when she held her first solo recital at age 14!

Currently, Ms. Mary gives private lessons via Zoom and in person. Click below to inquire about openings.