Music has always been an important part of my life.  From my youth I have taken every opportunity to spend time on the piano.  And, like yours, my music education continues.  Although I hold degrees in piano performance and sacred music, I continue to learn and grow as a pianist. 

 

There is so much music to enjoy - the pursuit of it will lead you down paths you never knew existed!  My piano studies made it easy piano to learn  string bass in 6th grade.  Playing bass gave me experiences playing with fellow musicians in orchestras, concert bands, small string and jazz ensembles.  God has blessed each one of us with a voice.  Singing in ensembles and choirs, and studying conducting, gave me skills needed to direct choirs, which I did for many years - in church and schools.  Ensemble experience broadened my abilities to include accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.   I accompany high school students in-person at UIL solo competitions as well as record accompaniments for student use.  So you can see how learning the piano can lead you in interesting directions.

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For over 30 years I've taught students the skills necessary for playing the piano.  We use the best materials - old and new which includes classical, jazz, pop and church music.  I want students to acquire skills needed for lifelong involvement with music.

 

Encouraging results are the result of establishing a comfortable but challenging learning pace for each student.  I take into consideration the student's innate abilities and musical interests.  Lesson content includes note reading, sight reading, theory, ear-training, techniques of the time periods (playing styles of baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary periods), a playing knowledge of chords, as well as music history.  With these skills one can easily play a variety of music.  The two grand pianos in the studio allow us to ex[ore two-piano literature as well as concerti.

 

As asked, I help students to choose and prepare music for special school and church events.  I provide three recitals every year, and students have the option of participating in festivals and events hosted by the Austin District Music Assn. / Texas Music Teachers Assn.  

 

Depending on your love for animals, you may meet Piper, one of my two Pembroke Welsh corgis.  He greets students at the door and lays near the piano as they play.  Bigby, his brother, is very shy but you may only catch a rare glimpse of him.  Morley, my cat, occasionally comes by the studio to see what's happening.

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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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