I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance with a piano minor from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where I took classes to prepare me for teaching private piano and voice lessons, rather than classroom teaching, and I began teaching there under the supervision of my professors. I attended the University of North Texas for graduate school, where I studied music history and ethnomusicology, and was a teaching assistant for music appreciation.

Because I am passionate about learning and teaching, I am continually reading and taking classes to continue my education and improve my effectiveness as a teacher. I am very active in Music Teachers' National Association, regularly attending national and state conferences for private music teachers. I serve as an officer in the Denver Area Music Teachers' Association, and on the Advisory Council for Colorado State MTA.

In 2010, I completed the requirements for national teacher certification through MTNA, the hardest part of which was taking seven hours of essay tests in one day!

My goal is to provide a well-rounded education in music that will enhance a student's musical experiences for a lifetime. I love music history and theory and I use that passion to cultivate an understanding of music that goes beyond rote learning or imitation and gives the student the knowledge and confidence to engage with music independently, as a performer, a creator, and as an informed listener.

I have a large, active studio, full of vibrant, fun, and fascinating students, and I learn so much from them every day. The one-on-one format of a private lesson allows me to create a unique educational experience that is infinitely adaptable to the needs of the individual student. I have worked with a number of gifted students, students with various learning disabilities, and students to which both labels apply, and I enjoy them all thoroughly!

Because I believe that every student should have the confidence to perform and participate in a band or ensemble, I provide numerous performance opportunities, and I emphasize the rhythmic and listening skills that are necessary for solo performance. My students enjoy participating in three annual studio recitals: a traditional, Classical recital in the spring, a non-traditional recital devoted to pop, rock, jazz, blues, ragtime, and movie music in the Fall, and a Christmas Recital in December. Singers learn to collaborate with a pianist to prepare for a performance, and my intermediate to advanced piano students often accompany singers. And all of my piano students play duets, right from the start!

Thankfully, as much as I love music, I can't say it's the most important part of my life! That honor goes to my family: My husband Ryan is an amazingly talented musician himself who sings, plays guitar, bass, and piano, and makes me jealous every day. He's also my biggest supporter and makes my every accomplishment possible. My ten year old stepson, Caladan, is a joy and a challenge to raise, and my absolute favorite piano student.

We also have an "adopted daughter," our German Shepherd dog Schatzi, who loves meeting people (especially kids!), taking walks, and herding groups of people, and we have a little blended family of cats who help us cope with stress with their purrs, cuddling, and sheer cuteness.

When I'm not teaching or practicing, I enjoy getting out and hiking with my dog, cooking, daydreaming, and laughing loudly. Learning is my life's passion, so I love to geek out by reading nonfiction books--especially about science, listening to NPR, and spending time with other nerds. (I'm a proud Mensan.) I miss being a "beauty girl" and love makeup, nail polish, and perfume!

I have openings for new students in Lakewood, Castle Rock, and the Cherry Creek area in Denver. I teach piano students from age five to adult, and voice students from age seven to adult, at all levels of experience, from beginning to advanced. I teach Monday through Saturday and have times available after school, in the evening, or during school hours for home school students.

Please feel free to email or call with any questions—I always enjoy hearing from potential students!