Piano Lessons in Holmes Beach, FL

Instruments: Piano Voice

My goal, in every lesson, is to help students develop a deeper understanding and passion for music. My teaching style is geared to each student as an individual. I like to set goals with each student. With goals in mind, I can better help the student achieve whatever they need musically. I can steer them in the direction of styles or music that the student wants to learn. If the student is not enjoying the lesson, then I am not e\doing my job right. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Accordion Keyboard

Instead of using existing method books which may or may not contain music that the student can relate to, I like to use the favorite songs of the student.  Once the student makes known his/her request I then create an arrangement of that particular song and tailor it to suit their level ( beginner ,intermediate,advanced ).  This ensures a high level of interest  and motivation on the students part.   For those students who insist on using method books I'm OK with that too ( So the traditionalists are welcome too). Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

A native of Florida, I recently graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa under the tutelage of Scott Kluksdahl, an internationally renowned cellist and pedagogue. My other primary cello teachers include Loran Stephenson (National Symphony Orchestra), Helga Winold (Indiana University) and John Kaboff (Arlington, VA). I have participated in masterclasses with David Requiro and the Baumer String Quartet, Noreen-Cassidy Polera, Rhonda Rider, Jan Müller-Szeraws, Joshua Gordon, Carol Ou, Rupert Thompson, Robert Jesselson, Ross Harbaugh, Rebecca Penneys and Norman Fischer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

When students are being lazy I call them out on it by saying something like, "What is that?"  It shakes them up and makes them realize I catch every mistake.  It's done in a lighthearted way so that the students feel comfortable with me as I do not want to drive away students who fear their teacher.  Comfort and discipline are imperative to help them achieve their goals.  If a student feels comfortable with their instrument they are more willing to practice and achieve a higher goal of performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Recorder Keyboard

One of the biggest discoveries I made while studying was that I didnt want to teach those who did not want to learn. I decided to steer myself away from public school music education, and teach in a more relaxed setting, where I would be able to teach what the student wanted to learn, instead of pouring heart and effort into a subject that didnt interest them, and would therefore fall on deaf ears. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

My approach to teaching is one that engages students and encourages them to learn to the best of their abilities.  I always consider the needs of my students and their wishes for their own musical development.  Therefore, selecting repertoire and lesson goals is a joint venture between my students and myself.   I gain encouragement when students voice their opinion and develop a sense of musical style that is unique to them; my students are motivated and learn to express themselves musically and together, we take great satisfaction in their successes at Festivals, competitions and examinations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Music and teaching it to others has been my life's work and passion. I am classically trained (obviously) and I am the first and still only person in my family to graduate from a four year college and later graduate school, having earned BM and MM degrees in Piano Performance with a minor in organ at Shenandoah University. In addition to 27 years of music ministry, 26 years as an accompanist and/or MD (classical and music theatre settings) and of course 16 years of private piano teaching, my greatest professional accomplishment is having played at Carnegie Hall in June 2014. Read More