Patti Nyien has been a member of the Salt Creek Local Association of Music Teachers National Conference since 1987. She became Nationally Certified in 1992 and has been teaching in Westmont/Hinsdale, IL since 1980. Patti holds a Bachelor's of Music in Education degree (Magnum cum laude) from Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she sang on a weekly gospel television program and performed English opera by Menotti at a local theater. Before moving to Illinois, Patti taught 9th grade chorus, 8th grade chorus and 6th grade general music in Clarksville, TN. Patti has completed graduate studies in piano pedagogy with Joanne Smith at the University of Michigan. She taught preschool music classes and children's choir in a church school for 14 yrs. The children's choir featured many musicals, one included a guest composer artist, a rental theater, rented production flats and guests arriving by the busload.

Patti co-chaired a multi-piano concert called Glorious Grands in 2011, 2014, and 2017. It included 8 Steinway Grand Pianos, 250 student and teacher pianists, an emcee and image projection at a local Community College, College of DuPage, McAninch Arts Center.

Currently she teaches a studio of 30+ students at her home in Westmont, Il and directs Forever Praise, a Christian Community Choir on hiatus due to COVID. Patti is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and is a Permanently Certified Teacher with Music Teachers National Association. She has served as Illinois State Music Teachers Association Treasurer from January 2001 - January 2007 and was the Salt Creek Chapter President since June 2003-2007 and is currently resuming that leadership role.

Patti also adjudicates for the National Federation of Music Clubs, ISMTA Voice and IMA. Patti has one MusicLink student. Her hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, swimming, biking, walking, snow-skiing, crochet, needlepoint and traveling.