Piano Lessons in Allen, TX

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Recorder Music Keyboard

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I've always had music in my life my father was a band rector my grandfather was a music man he started music and places that didn't have music. My grandmother was also a music teacher. I started music when I was in kindergarten playing the trumpet and then when I got older I started playing the piano. I went to college we became a music teacher and taught for 23 years in public education. In 199 1 92 I started writing songs and performing on the side in churches. I took lessons most of my young life but quit in my high school years. Yes I do regret because I could have really improved a lot my piano playing skills.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Favorite tyles of music, classical, praise, contemporary, jazz . My favorite style of music to play is contemporary christian music. I write and play it for God, like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, They all played in the church. My style is different than classical.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music runs in my family line, my grandmother and grandfather were band directors. My dad is a retired band director. He played trumpet, and piano. He played in Buddy Holly's band time period. My Uncle Jim, my dad's brother. Played in Elvis's , Sonny''s the bodyguard, he played string base in a few recordings.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I like to use Faber and Faber for piano, because they write interesting songs and tend to use familiar tunes for beginners. I found an awesome website. I use 8notes.com. Free music. For trumpet, I like to use Essential Elements Beginning Band 1.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I play piano and trumpet. Trumpet was my major instrument. I fell in love with the piano in college. I picked up the guitar and am self taught to play chords. I write songs using the piano and guitar.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a BA in Music Education. I had planned to be a band director as my dad and direct bands, but I became an Elem. music teacher after doing my student teaching. I am certified in all -level PK-12 music education. I also write songs. I have a love for Music Theory, and how chords are arranged in music. Performance I traveled and played in different venues such as concerts and churches in my younger 20-30 with my music ministry. I played live concerts, you can find these on youtube, and on my reels on fb too.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I like the Carnival of Venice, in the Arban book. Fantasie and Variations. It is a fun piece to play. I like the main melody the best.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
YES, a student of mine played for an elem. music production at school, she is in 3rd grade. YES, a student of mine played at a solo and ensemble competition, he got a rating of superior outstanding, a medal of a one. Yes, another student of mine was in San Diego youth orchestra

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician I would be an artist. But I am a musician. Music has been and always will be my life. It would be neat to travel around and share my music in various places.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A practice session for me could last hours or minutes depending on what I am needing to go over. I love playing the instruments, so anything I work on is practiced over and over.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on the trumpet is playing high notes, triple C's and keeping your embouchure just right. Keeping the space needed to send the air through the mouthpiece. The hardest thing to master on the piano is dexterity, speed in playing.

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