About
I have been making music my whole life, and teaching piano for over 40 years. I hold a master's degree in musicology and a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder; I perform regularly as a soloist and chamber musician across the country. Making music is emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually enriching. And classical music has unlimited depths of detail and richness to plumb. Helping students experience the enchantment I feel when I play the piano is my mission in life. I love inspiring my students to listen with mindful attention, find physical ease at the keyboard, and to shape every phrase with intention and feeling.
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Currie B.
Bob H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For an experienced student, they play me a piece or two from their past work, and we use that music as material to work on together for the first lesson. I can get a sense of areas of potential technical and musical growth, and my feedback on relaxed hand/arm/body placement and musical details like voicing, articulation, phrasing and expression can give the new student a good sense of how I can bring them to the next artistic level. We talk about which pieces they'd like to learn next, and how I can best help them with their practice routine. I show specific tricks on how to practice effectively, and give lots of positive inspiration!
For beginners, I introduce the keyboard and hand placement, and we start note-reading with the Leila Fletcher piano method. I make an assignment chart so they know exactly what to practice when they get home.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctorate in piano performance; Master in musicology
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$100/hour for adults and advanced teens. This includes communication in between lessons, via texting questions/andswers and exchanging demonstration/practice videos, which allows for constant feedback and progress between in-person lessons.
$75/45 minutes for intermediate children/teens
$60/30 minutes for beginners (age 9-13)
(Also includes communication in between lessons)
How did you get started teaching?
I started piano lessons at age 5, and when I was 16 my piano teacher asked me to teach her younger students while she was out of town. While still in high school, I started teaching kids in my neighborhood, and even my high school English teacher! I've been teaching piano ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with children and adults of all ages and levels of experience, and currently teach kids 9 and older, and adults of all ages.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
...sitting outside Chautauqua Auditorium peeking at and listening to the Colorado Music Festival orchestra with my three-year-old grandson.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice is always to take one lesson from a few different teachers to see if the teaching style and personal chemistry is a good fit.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should be realistic about their practice commitment. They should figure out their schedule so that they can fit in a minimum of 30 minutes of piano practice every day. Daily practice becomes more enjoyable (a stress-reducing escape, or a stimulating brain pick-me-up!) the more regular it is, and getting up to 1-2 hours/day (or more) can really transform their playing and their life!