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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.
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.

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