About
As an instructor, my ultimate goal is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all students. Learning an instrument is both exciting and challenging, and I strive to break down the learning process into manageable steps to give students a sense of accomplishment each week.
I work with each individual student to understand their unique interests, needs, and goals. I empower students by helping them set meaningful goals and celebrate all milestones with great joy- be it a performance in a talent show, or the first song they’ve memorized.
While I am open to all styles of music, I especially enjoy teaching pop and jazz. I hold a BFA and MA in Jazz Piano, and find the harmonies and improvisation of jazz to be challenging and engaging. The genre opens the door to a deeper understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm.
I love helping students select musical repertoire that speaks to them personally. It's so important that students feel personally connected to the music they are creating.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
As your instructor, I meet you exactly where you're at, and we work together to set goals to become the musician you want to be! For some, that means learning a few ukulele chords for family get-togethers, for others, it's preparing for college auditions. No goal is too big or too small!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have experience and training as both a classical and contemporary musician. My Bachelor's degree is in Jazz and Contemporary Music from UNC-Asheville, and my Master's in Jazz Studies is from Rowan University. I consider myself a life-long student and have completed additional teacher trainings from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Frances Clarke Center for Piano Pedagogy.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons range in price from $30-60, depending on the length of the lesson, and the location of the lesson. I offer lessons through Zoom, at Asheville Music School, and in-home lessons for those in Asheville.
What types of students have you worked with?
My studio is open to students of all ages, but I specialize in working with teenagers. By helping them select music that is motivating and expressive, their confidence blossoms. I aspire to be a trusted mentor and adult in their lives during a time of transition and self-discovery. Through our lessons, students can gain autonomy, confidence, discipline, self-expression, and a life-long love of music. Additionally, there are many opportunities for my students to collaborate in duets and small ensembles. Ensembles give students a strong sense of responsibility, as their peers rely on them to learn their parts. Through these ensembles, many of my high school students have made lifelong friendships.