About
I love music..all kinds of music. I am proud to claim the musical diversity in my lengthy performance career: orchestral pianist, church and synagogue pianist/organist, Scottish fiddle accomopanist, jazz band pianist, and accompanist to many soloists: instrumental players (including a musical saw!) and vocalists of all kinds.
In addition to performing, I am passionate about helping my students achieve their goals and believe that music study should be outrageouslly fun and laser focused, all at the same time.
I began teaching privately over 40 years ago, pre-school through adults, and still find the experience fresh and stimulating with each new student. While maintaining a private piano studio, I worked in public and private schools, teaching Elementary General Music as well as Middle and Senior High School Choirs, and Digital Piano Lab, in Tucson and Phoenix AZ and Longmont CO. I embrace a wide range of teaching modalities, tailoring the method of study to the student and their goals.
My undergraduate degree is in Piano Performance, from the University of Arizona, with an emphasis in pedagogy and accompanying. In addition, I obtained post-baccalaureate K-12 Music endorsements from CO and AZ, and a certification in Secondary English.
It has been my distinct privilege to have worked in the field of music for my entire working career. I believe in the transformative power of music and music study on the lives of teachers, students, and listeners.
I enjoy watching my students succeed and experience the personal growth gained by studying music.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to first find out the student's goals and get to know a bit about them first. Then, we will explore the student's knowledge, abilities, and strengths, using the keyboard itself. If the student is a brand new beginner, we will have fun using the keyboard from top to bottom, exploring the wonderful sounds one can make, experienced player or not.
My policy is to give myself and a new student one month in which to decide if we are a "good fit" for the student's success.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My degree is in Piano Performance from the University of Arizona, emphasis on pedagogy and accomopanying, with a minor emphasis on vocal studies.
Resume with references available upon request.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard pricing: $20 for 30 minutes
$30 for 45 minutes
$40 for 60 minutes
Younger students sometimes require shorter lessons; please contact me to discuss your student's needs if under 6 years old.
How did you get started teaching?
I was the accompanist at a large church in Tucson AZ when I was in high school and parents from the congregation began to approach me about lessons when I was 16. So, armed with my brand new drivers license, I began teaching in other people's homes. In time, my studio grew to the point I could no longer travel, and began teaching in my parents' home.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with students of varied abilities and many ages, pre-school through older adults. I find it endlessly fascinating to explore the art of successfully teaching to each individual student.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I work as an accompanist in a small, lovely church in rural Colorado. The piano is located in a balcony at the back of the sanctuary and I literally feel the corporate energy created when the congregation sings and I play. Music connects us to things beyond our understanding.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
- Decide on a specific goal you wish to accomplish and search for a teacher with that goal in mind. If you have an interest in a certain type of music, look for a teacher who is comfortable teaching in that style.
- Does the teacher have performance experience as well as teaching experience? Is this important to you?
- Ask for a brief introductory meeting with the teacher. Are you comfortable with their personality, studio environment, and location? Do you feel that the teacher can work easily with the student?
- Determine how often you wish to have a lesson and ask the teacher's advice concerning this time commitment.
- Ask the teacher about their tuition/attendance policy. In addition to tuition, the teacher may request that you purchase extra instructional materials. Determine if you are comfortable with the financial commitment.
- Are these lessons for your child or for yourself? Inquire as to the practice suggestions of the teacher. Will the practice schedule work for you and your family?
- Do you have a piano in your home or do you have easy access to one? Depending on your interests and goals, you might have either a digital or an acoustic piano. Ask the teacher their preference, if any.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
- What do you want to be able to do: in the next month, the next year, or five years from now? If you don't know, that's OK. Exploration is a good way to learn, too.
- Are you willing to devote time to practice? How much time can you spend with your instrument each week?
- How often do you wish to have a lesson: once a week, every other week, or once a month?