Mrs. Barden is Director of Barden Academy of Music. She has been teaching Piano, Vocal Art, Vocal Theatre, Composition and Music Theory since 1978. She is a graduate of Peace College, attended Meredith College, Appalachian State University, and is a graduate of Bellarmine University in Music Education. She is past President of The Raleigh Music Club and Chairman of the Clayton Music Festival for 2008-2010.

She is a church organist and pianist and loves teaching. She started the Clayton Music Club in 2002 along with seven charter members. The Clayton Music Club now offers an annual music festival run by the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs. Students may win trophies and scholarships through this competition. Students may receive a rating and gold cup points for participating in The Clayton Music Festival. This is an optional program and students are only encouraged to participate.

The Academy also participates in The National Guild of Piano Teacher's Auditions held every year at Meredith College. Students may play 6-10 solo piano pieces for memory and receive a rating and pin for their participation. This is an optional program and students are only encouraged to participate.

There is also a Hobbyist level where students may take their lessons just for fun. They are only encouraged to participate in the above programs.