About Me
Background
I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, summa cum laude, from Oklahoma City University, in 1985. I began teaching piano while doing graduate work at Boston University's School of Theology. I fell in love with piano teaching, completed my Master of Divinity degree in 1991, and have been teaching piano ever since. I am a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, New England Piano Teachers Association, and MTNA. In addition to teaching piano, I play piano and organ at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Medfield, Massachusetts.
Teaching Philosophy
Every student learns in his or her own unique way, and lessons should be tailored to each student's needs and interests. The keys to successful piano lessons are enthusiasm, effort and patience. Students learn best when they are interested and engaged.
Some students start quickly, and others are late bloomers. Every student should be allowed to learn at their own pace. My job is to find the pace just challenging enough to be fun and interesting without being overly frustrating. When a student struggles to understand something, it is my responsibility to figure out how to help the student learn. Self esteem results from succeeding in the struggle to learn and develop new skills.
I believe that everyone should be musically literate, and piano lessons are one of the best means of accomplishing this.
Recitals
My students have the opportunity to perform in two recitals every year; one in December and one in May. Recitals help students set goals, and provide an opportunity to hear other students. Some students are excited about the opportunity to perform, but others do not find recitals as motivating, so participation is encouraged but not required.