About
I have a passion for teaching students of all ages and levels. I have taught college piano students at Oakland University in Rochester, MI since 1999 and I previously taught piano at Schoolcraft College in Livonia. I also teach out of my home studio. I hold a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. See my profile at Oakland.edu.
I am not only a teacher, but an active performer of solo, accompanying, chamber music. I've performed locally on the Scarab Club series, and at Orchestra Hall, on concert series with Oakland University, with orchestra as a concerto soloist, etc. I've also lectured around town on music, and adjudicated competitions and festivals.
I have the most to offer the intermediate and advanced piano student, but I also teach beginners, whether adults or children, if they are motivated and have a great support system and an accoustic piano. The keyboard is a very different instrument than the acoustic piano, so my students must have access to the latter.
I love working with young children to adults, seeing progress week to week, and essentially working myself out of a job, as my students become more and more self-sufficient. I love a variety of music genres, but am most passionate about classical music, because training in classical music allows a person to play in all other genres.
I make it a priority to teach students how to practice for maximum effect - working smart with the time they have. I also enjoy introducing students to a variety of music they might not otherwise have found on their own.
Highlights
Reviews
Janice C.
Kimberly F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I evaluate each new student by asking a series of questions about their musical background and their goals for taking piano lessons. If the student is a beginner, I choose from a few method books, based on the student's learning style. If the student is a child, I discuss with the parent and child both what is expected in terms of practice, optional performances, festivals, etc. If the student is an adult beginner, there are also one or two method books I recommend to get started. Intermediate or advanced students will be playing repertoire immediately.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I have since taught piano and piano related courses at Oakland University and Schoolcraft College. I perform regularly as well.