Philosophy

Music is ingrained in me, and I've taken every opportunity to spend time on the piano.  Even with degrees in piano performance and sacred music, I continue to love learning and growing as a pianist. 

There is more music to enjoy than we could learn in a life-time, and the pursuit of it leads down paths one never knew existed!  For me, piano studies made it easy for me to pick up many related skills.  String bass in 6th grade gave me ensemble skills, and I played bass with fellow musicians in orchestras, concert bands, small string and jazz ensembles through college.  Singing in ensembles and choirs plus studying conducting gave me skills needed to direct choirs, which  in churches and schools.  Ensemble experience gave me skills needed to accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.   For many years I was honored to accompany the graded of The Christian Choral Society of Austin.  Today I enjoy accompanying high school students at UIL solo competitions.  So you can see how the piano can lead you in interesting directions over time.

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For almost 50 years I've taught piano students.  I use the best materials - old and new - which includes classical, jazz, pop and church music.  Students acquire skills needed for lifelong involvement with music.

Successful results require a challenging but nurturing learning environment which you will find in my studio.  A student's innate abilities and musical interests are evaluated and built upon.  Fundamentals are taught and strengthened including note reading, sight reading, theory, ear-training and performance techniques of the baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary time periods, a working knowledge of chords, and music history.  These skills can easily allow one to play a wide variety of musical genres.  Ensemble playing including two-piano literature is explored as well.

Students receive help preparing for special school and church events.  Three studio recitals are held every year, and students can participate in festivals and events hosted by the Austin District Music Assn. /Texas Music Teachers Assn.  

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Those who become musicians express music from their hearts.   British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams said, "The art of music above all the other arts is the expression of the soul of a nation."   May the art of the piano bring beauty to the soul of our nation.

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