About
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with 15 years of teaching experience. In addition to teaching, I currently serve as National Certification Chair of the Music Teachers National Association Certification Program. As an expert teacher in the field of music teaching, I frequently give presentations and workshops at music conferences across the U.S.
What to Expect When Taking Lessons With Davis:
•Students reaching their maximum potential through proven teaching methods
•Healthy posture, piano technique, expressive playing, creativity, efficient practice, and well-rounded musicianship
•Positive learning environment where I work hard to deliver engaging experiences and connect with students
•Professional plan of study and careful leveling and planning for each student's custom-tailored curriculum
•Working on the music the student enjoys playing!
•Having fun!
What to Expect with My Online Studio Setup:
•Professional video, audio, lighting, multiple camera angles, highest-speed internet
•iPad Pro and Apple Pencil for screen sharing
•Sample recordings, supplementary teaching videos, and online resources
Contact me today to set up your first lesson! Students of all ages and skill levels welcome!
Every day I live for the "ah-ha" moments in piano teaching. Nothing makes me happier than helping students find joy through music making.
At this point in my career, I feel that I have the necessary experience and tools to get results in every student. I'm here to be patient, understanding, and supportive throughout the entire journey.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is a free assessment and involves a time for us to get to know one another. I love hearing about students' interests, their goals for music steady, their past musical experiences, and why they chose me as their piano instructor.
If the student is a beginner, we start at the very beginning with piano basics and work at a gradual pace that is comfortable for the student. We will learn a piece in the very first lesson!
If the student has studied piano previously, I take some time to ask what the student has worked on recently, have them play a couple of pieces, and begin working to develop a plan of study.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma and am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through the Music Teachers National Association. I have formerly taught piano at the University of Oklahoma.
As a performer, I've had the opportunity to play in solo and collaborative concerts all over the world. In 2012 I performed at the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstaedt, Austria where I had the opportunity to perform at the Esterhazy Palace. In July 2016, I performed at the Saarburg International Chamber Music Festival in Saarburg, Germany. I've studied the Taubman approach to piano technique at the Golandsky Summer Institute held at Princeton University.
I'm a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops across the U.S. and have spoken at the Music Teachers National Association Conference, National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, MusicEd Connect Conference, and the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association Conference. One of my recent webinars attracted over 500 live viewers.
I'm currently the current chair for the National Certification Board of the Music Teachers National Association.
I've been a recipient of several national awards and grants, including the MTNA MarySue Harris Studio Teaching Fellowship, Piano Technicians Guild Foundation Scholarship, and the National Piano Foundation Scholarship, and the MTNA Foundation Fellow Award.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My typical fee structure is:
30 minutes/$30
45 minutes/$45
60 minutes/$60
This is billed either monthly or by semester.
How did you get started teaching?
Both my grandmother and my mother were pianists, and I was greatly inspired by their playing as a child. When I was young, I also had a fascination with teaching all kinds of things to others. My mom jokes that I would come home from school and actually "play school" like I was teaching school. I suppose teaching has always been a part of me.
I began teaching as an undergraduate and graduate student with the guidance of my professors. In 2013, I first started teaching full-time.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught so many types of students, and I believe each unique individual is a gift. I've taught students from age four to ninety! I love both children and adult students as they each bring something very special to lessons.
I've taught special needs students with Down Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD and am not afraid to modify lessons for many different learning types.
I've also always had a very diverse studio. Because I teach online, I've had the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. Every student is a new adventure and I look forward to learning things from my students!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite piano events I hosted was an event called Coffee and Keys. Students had the opportunity to perform at a coffee shop and receive tips from customers. These gig experiences can be very motivating for students!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who is nationally certified by the Music Teachers National Association and/or has a degree in piano. The level of quality in music instruction varies tremendously, and you really get what you pay for. The beginning years may seem "basic" and you may think you can start with a lower level teacher, but it is actually the most important time to have a high-quality teacher. Healthy technique, sight-reading, and musicality are formed in the early years. You also want a teacher who is going to be inspiring for your child and who will motivate them to continue lessons. A passionate, well-trained professional can do just that!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
There are many great things to consider before discussing your needs in piano lessons. What is the end goal for piano lessons? Do you want to play for enjoyment? Are you interested in playing at a high level or competing? Do you have certain types of music you wish to play and others you'd like to avoid? Making sure you are aligned with your teacher on goals and clearly communicating these goals and interests is the key to making sure the experience will meet your needs.