Philosophy

My mission is to inspire a love for music through education and community building, while celebrating the vital role of art in expressing and connecting with one another.

I believe that;

Music is for everyone. Everyone has something to gain from exposure to music lessons. Students will learn that playing the piano is more than learning notes and rhythms. It is about connecting to a deeper part of themselves and then gaining the confidence and ability to share it with others. Lessons and goals are tailor made to individual students, whether they are old or young, beginner or advanced.

Students should have a well rounded education. My goal is to help individuals develop a lifelong skill that can bring personal enjoyment and enhance other’s lives. I hope to create independent musicians that can eventually learn and create on their own. Beginners will learn with a multi-key, landmark, and intervallic approach. All students will have the opportunity to learn the following skills: note reading, rhythmic proficiency, sight reading, various technical skills, musical expression, playing by ear, arranging, basic composition, basics of reading a lead sheet or guitar tab, and harmonizing a melody.

Technical skills are essential to receive a complete music education. Skills taught will include balance between melody and accompaniment, shaping a phrase, executing proper articulation, experimenting with touch and tone color, emphasizing proper form to prevent injury and improve sound production.

A knowledge of traditional classical standards will be encouraged and promoted, but options outside of the classical genre will also be offered; such as soundtrack, broadway, pop, rock, folk, jazz, and new age. 

Students should have performance opportunities. Performances help students set goals, have a focused plan and purpose for their practicing, and gain confidence. Whether it is in competitions, festivals, public or private performances, studio recitals, or senior recitals for high school graduates, all performances are motivational and can create progress. These opportunities open doors by giving some students the option to consider a career in music. If desired, a student can prepare to audition for music school acceptance and scholarships while training in my studio.

Connections with others are necessary to becoming a well-rounded musician. Practicing hours alone on the bench can be a lonely endeavor. Friendships with fellow musicians and artists can fill that void. Collaboration and music organizations are essential to a full enjoyment of music. Accompanying or collaborating with other musicians can be fulfilling. Friendships within the studio will be fostered through performance classes, playing duets or concertos, and celebration of one another’s victories. 

Organizations such as MTNA and UMTA create opportunities for networking. Service opportunities and lifelong friendships have been just a few of the benefits I have received from these groups. 

Proper daily practice is the ideal, but any time at the piano is encouraged. Students will have a much better chance of succeeding with the appropriate amount of practice time, which will be determined at the lesson. However, students will be welcomed at lessons and encouraged to continue trying even if they have had a bad practice week. A skipped lesson will not will not solve the problem of lack of preparation.

Parental involvement is essential for the success of a student. Active parent participation during lessons and home practice are essential for beginners. Students and parents should plan a time for regular daily practice in a quiet space if possible. Support and encouragement from families are vital for success.