About
I am passionate about music and anxious to share my expertise and experience with students. I teach from my home where I have a Baldwin concert grand and a Steinway A (1898)
I have doctoral level training in music theory (including counterpoint and orchestration) and continue private lessons with an artist teacher since 2017, following 40 years with a poor one. I hold a PhD from Wayne State University in Educational Evaluation and Research.
I am a lifelong teacher of everything I love. I am retired from the public schools where I taught mathematics and conducted program evaluation and research for 30 years. I also ran a sailing instruction program for a local non-profit.
References are available upon request.
I believe in individualized tutorial instruction. Each student learns differently and has unique needs. I try to adjust my instruction to match their style. I also believe that this is serious but should be fun.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A meeting and audition followed by a plan for theory, technique, and repertoire.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 50 years of private lessons, currently with an artist teacher and doctoral level training in music theory. My current teacher is Maestro Goslin; his pedigree goes back to Liszt, Czerny, Beethoven, and Haydn.
I also hold a PhD in education.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. My minimum lesson is one hour at $60. As students advance, they may want longer lessons. The rate is $60 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been teaching all my life. My current teacher suggested that I should take on students.
What types of students have you worked with?
Everyone! I was a high school teacher and also taught the lower grades early in my career. I taught graduate school statistics and research. I taught adults to sail for over 30 years.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My 1965 Baldwin concert grand was completely rebuilt in my living room during 2020-2021. I learned more about how pianos work and what they can be made to do from the technicians who worked on her than anyone could learn from reading or watching videos. My piano went from a very poorly rebuilt Baldwin to one of the top pianos in the world. That was an adventure indeed!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Seek a teacher who loves piano and has teaching skills. Be sure your teacher includes all areas of music in your education, including theory, technique, repertoire, and broadening your knowledge of music in general and piano literature in particular. Be prepared to put in plenty of time and energy. You only get out what you put in.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do they have a piano to play?
Are they willing to practice regularly?
Will they faithfully attend their lessons?
What do they want from this experience?