Piano Lessons in Plano, TX

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Music Keyboard

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was a gradual decision. Opportunities began to present themselves and guess who was prepared and ready? However it took me years to actually improve my craft and even then I did not consider myself a professional. I had other vocations that I focused on but continued to study music as well as always had music projects. The opportunities never ceased and I challenged myself to meet every opportunity. Then in 2011, already currently playing for my church, I was offered a job teaching piano in the Arlington, Texas school district and an associated daycare chain. The rest is history.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes. Both of my brothers are musicians. My oldest can play any instrument, at any time, with anyone. My youngest plays trumpet, tuba and french horn and his wife sings. He has been a part of his church orchestra for more than 20 years and the guest musician for many concerts, special programs, weedings and funerals. In addition, I have taught all 6 of my grandchildren to play piano, ages ranging from 4 to 13. They travel, sing and play and perform as a choir and puppetry group as well as play for our Church services. In addition I have many uncles, cousins and aunts who sing and play.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have been a musician since the first day that my Dad put that keyboard in my hands at age 7. I have had many vocations and music played a very big part in all of them. In Nursing I did Music Therapy. In Paramedics I used it to distract patients during difficult and painful Procedures and circumstances. In teaching Medical and Business Courses I used it as memory enhancers and techniques. With Children music has always been a big part of curriculum, music therapy and many techniques as well as graduations, programs, performances etc. Now, my primary profession is music though i continue to tutor in reading, math and typing concurrently as well. If I decide to do anything else here in my later life, and I do not foresee doing so, you bet music will be right there.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I have a variety of methods, drills, exercises, games and activities from all of the above and more. I also have my own original methods that I utilize also. However, when I teach, there is no one method fits all. I tailor my teaching to the needs and dreams of the student. That means that I use a variety and I have a flexible but thorough approach that keeps lessons moving toward the dream but filling in the gaps and being a well-rounded program.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My 2 loves are classical and gospel. When I took lessons I was classically trained and had impeccable sight reading ability. This made me excellent at Playing for others and myself as long as I had the music in front of me. But much of my musical experience has also been in churches, for choirs, soloists and a variety of services and programs. There is a big difference and you truly can be a master at one without any knowledge of the other. In the beginning of my life I did not understand this and I was not a very good gospel or jazz musician until I devoted time and additional study in chords, improvising, transposing and ear training. I also devoted time to studying blues and jazz which are implemented so much in contemporary christian and gospel music.

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