About
I focus on helping each student find joy, belonging, and purpose through the gift of music. Quality, tailored, one-on-one piano lessons focusing on healthy technique, understanding music theory and music history, developing efficient practice habits and excelling in the ability to learn and perform any music that comes your way!
My absolute favorite thing is getting to know each student on an individual and personal level and being able to see them light up as they master techniques and songs throughout their lessons. I love knowing what they like to do outside of their lessons so I can figure out a way to work it in and teach them to recognize music in every part of life as well as to see how their other hobbies relate in their lessons!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each lesson is tailored to every student's needs and interests, so I like to take the first lesson to get to know both the student and the parents - we go over and set goals, any previous knowledge of music/piano, what the student likes to do outside of lessons, etc.
I also like to go over policies, practice expectations, and other housekeeping things to make sure everyone is on the same page and is willing to follow my expectations and policies.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have played piano since I was seven years old and picked up other instruments over the years like flute, cello, percussion, and organ. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. I also have taught for a total of about 4 years, including working with students who have autism, ADHD/ADD and Down syndrome.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically offer lessons ranging from 30 minutes (young beginners), 45 minutes (standard), and 60 minutes (advanced). Payment is due at the beginning of each month. Lessons are nonrefundable and make up lessons are available to schedule once a month if needed (to discourage missing lessons as weekly attendance is very important to the student's progress!)*.
$30/30 minute lesson
$45/45 minute lesson
$60/60 minute lesson
*I do try to be flexible according to illness and emergency needs.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was a junior in high school and realized that I wanted to share my gift with other people. I started by teaching younger kids and other beginners and found that I really loved being a part of the learning process and seeing my students light up when they understood a new concept or were able to play a difficult passage they had worked hard on.
I took a break from teaching while studying at BYU to focus on developing my own performance skills and started again when I graduated in April of 2018, when I began teaching students with developmental and learning disabilities including Down syndrome, ADHD/ADD and autism.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with almost all students. Generally I don't start teaching children until they have reached at least the age of 6 but otherwise have no age restrictions.
I have mostly taught beginners, though I love to teach intermediate and advanced students, especially those studying classical music, as that is my specialty.
Some of my favorite students I've worked with have been those with learning or developmental disabilities like Down syndrome or ADHD/ADD.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for teachers who will focus on music theory, healthy and correct technique, and warm ups like scales/arpeggios/chords, etc. Not only are those foundational concepts towards becoming a proficient pianist, but it also indicates that the teacher is more likely to have the background, education, and dedication that you want for quality lessons.
Often, going to the music department at a university or to a piano store and asking for references for teachers who will include those topics and techniques is a sure way to find what you're looking for.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your expectations for how lessons will go? What exactly are you wanting to get from taking lessons? Do you want to get to an advanced level or simply be able to read notes?
What type/style of music are you wanting to learn and focus on? Are you willing to learn other styles?
How much time are you willing to spend every day practicing (typically with my students I expect a minimum of 20-30 minutes for beginners)? If your child is the one taking lessons, are you willing to make time to help them understand and utilize good practice techniques and follow what the teacher has outlined during their lesson?
Does the student have any learning needs - are they dyslexic? Do they have ADD/ADHD? Do they have a learning style they tend to respond better to? Do they do well in groups (some teachers/studios do group lessons)?