About
Thank you for your interest in lessons! I am a passionate teacher with over a decade of experience and proven results. My students have placed in national and international competitions. They have passed up to Grade 8 of ABRSM and Level 10 of the MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. I also tutor AP Music Theory, and my students have received up to a 5 on the exam, giving them college credit.
I offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour online lessons over Zoom to students ages 7 and up. I teach all levels of voice, piano, composition, and theory. You might think online lessons would take away the joy of in-person learning, but I have had a full teaching studio of over 20 lessons a week since 2020. While the experience is slightly different, I have a wonderful remote setup with multiple devices and a quality microphone that allow for a seamless lesson experience. My students enjoy learning an instrument in the comfort of their home, not having to commute, and having the convenience of online learning in their busy lives.
I have a passion for teaching neurodivergent populations, particularly those with autism. These students are often naturally gifted in music, frequently possessing perfect pitch and a photographic memory. They are often exceptional candidates for training in composition.
I have also taught composition at the college level. As a composer, I teach theory, composition, orchestration, and arranging. I have written extensively for both orchestra and wind ensemble. I have had performances of my works in over 10 US states.
I currently have a large studio, and I have some availability in my schedule. If you are interested in studying with me, please be in touch.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Kasey R.
Heeral S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically start lessons with new students by testing their knowledge of music. I always try to have students learn a piece during the trial. For beginners, I work in the Faber Piano Adventures books, Basic of Keyboard Theory books, and Keith Snell technique books. Based on a student's progress, I introduce them to short Classical piano pieces. For students interested in popular music, I ensure they have a foundation in music theory before learning to improvise. Fundamentally, I teach music from a musical AND mechanical perspective. I provide detailed fingerings for students that are indispensable.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.M. University of Montana
M.M. Manhattan School of Music
D.M.A. University of Colorado at Boulder
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano full-time in California in 2016. Most of my students have opted to continue studying with me remotely throughout the pandemic. Many of them have been my students for 4-6 years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am equally well-versed in teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students from ages 4 to 60+. My youngest students started when they were 4 years old, and have continued as my students for over 4 years. Many of my students are now advanced and capable of playing difficult repertoire, which includes Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, and Liszt's La Campanella.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had two students play the Fantasie Impromptu and La Campanella from memory in consecutive lessons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learn about music from multiple perspectives. If I said, "I can write and speak English, but I cannot read it", I would not be considered an educated person. The same is true with music, you should be able to read, write, and speak the language in order to be considered fluent.