About
I offer lessons to students age 7 and up. I teach all levels in piano, composition, and theory. I offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1 hour lessons online. I teach through motivation and inspiration, and I am known for being very funny in lessons. Someone once ask me what my secret is for being a great teacher. I told them my secret is laughter. If you can make a student laugh, they will do anything for you.
I have started to specialize in teaching piano and composition to neurodivergent populations, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 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.
My piano students have placed in international competitions and received state honors on the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit (CM) Exams and ABRSM. Many of my students are now advanced and are capable of playing difficult repertoire, which includes Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, and Liszt's La Campanella. I am equally well-versed in teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students from ages 7 to 60+.
I have also taught composition at the college level. As a composer, I specialize in teaching 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 am currently writing my Symphony No. 3 for a performance with the Longmont Symphony in April 2023.
I currently have a studio of around 25 students a week, and I have some availability in my schedule. If you are interested in studying with me, please feel free to be in touch.
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.