The Philosophy

I believe that every student should and can be an artist at any level. When a student begins studying the piano they immediately learn how to touch the keys in a way that makes sense musically. They will learn how to create musically from the beginning, in other words it is not just about notes and reading but communicating with the heart through the language of music. A pianist must learn to play with the use of their arms to create beautiful tone and phrases. The artist inside every student will learn to create the musical phrases and good sound with emotion so as to communicate without words a story through music. When this happens, students really enjoy playing the piano.

The Studio

In the studio I have an upright and digital acoustic grand piano. This enables the teacher and students to practice together and learn from each other.

I love to teach, it is certainly one of my gifts as well as performing music.

My students perform in three recitals, November, February and May. In preparation for these recitals all students participate in performance classes where each student has an opportunity to experience thinking musically like a teacher for their peer pianists. Other opportunities through the National Guild of Piano Teachers and Music Teachers National Association allow students to compete or prepare for performance exams. All of this provides an atmosphere for learning and development as a musician.

All genres of music are explored because all are based on the same fundamental principles of music making and knowledge of the instrument, the piano. From reading chord charts, improvising, accompanying, learning jazz scales and chord voicings, to the classics, students will be prepared for any options they wish in music.

Many students in my studio have won competitions both on the national and state levels. Many students have also performed with local community orchestras.

The Teacher

I was born into a musical family where my brothers and I began piano lessons with our mother who still teaches to this day. Needless to say I have been performing music not only on the piano but several instruments and voice since six years of age. Our family gave concerts together during the school years. My degrees are in piano performance and piano pedagogy on the Masters level at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I have been teaching over twenty five years.

I currently perform regularly on tour with a four piano quartet called Piano4 and am a free lance pianist in the local surrounding communities.