Credentials

I earned my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, and a Master of Arts in Piano Performance from Hunter College in New York City. I have been teaching piano privately for more than 10 years, and have always loved it. I currently teach at Drexel University and at my home. My students have ranged from age 5 to 74, and I'm completely comfortable teaching any skill level.

I have had six years of special training in teaching the Taubman approach to piano playing, and am currently a Certified Instructor of the Taubman Approach with the Golandsky Institute. I have been fortunate enough to study with the highest experts in the field: Robert Durso, Edna Golandsky, John Bloomfield, and Dorothy Taubman. This approach was discovered and developed to promote virtuosity, eliminate pain, and solve technical difficulties. It incorporates a thorough understanding and mastery of coordinated movement at the keyboard, giving the pianist the ability to reliably create desired accuracy and musical effect.

When I am not teaching, I am performing or preparing for performances. I have performed and competed on a consistent basis since childhood, giving performances in more than 12 U.S. States and in Italy. On March 8, 2008, I will give my New York Recital Debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. In 2007, I won Second Prize in the International Piano Competition "Guiseppe Terraciano" in Giffoni Valle Piano, Italy, and won the Special Presentation Award from Artists International. My piano duo, BIDECA, actively performs in Philadelphia. BIDECA's primary goal is to challenge conventions in contemporary music.

Teaching Philosophy

First and foremost, I believe that learning to play the piano should be an enjoyable experience! Everyone is capable of acquiring the skills of piano playing when given the appropriate guidance, encouragement, and tools. I approach each student as an individual with unique desires and needs, and aim to excite each student to meet and exceed his or her own personal goals, whether they are seeking a professional career or playing for pure enjoyment. Each student deserves a teaching style with the ability to motivate and the flexibility to anticipate individual needs. I also encourage feedback from my students to ensure our progress is what is most desired by the student. Piano playing should be fun, challenging, and rewarding!

My students receive a well-rounded musical education. They will learn about reading music, rhythm, music theory, physical coordination, improvisation, musical structure, and musical expression. I love the unique journey each student and I experience together as they learn and grow as a musician. Every lesson I learn something, too! It is especially rewarding to see my students have fun, progress, and feel good about their own achievements.