I grew up in the Twin Cities area in a musical family that placed importance on not just playing by ear, but learning how to read and write in the language of music. My earliest teachers instilled not only a love of music, but a love of playing.
Over the years, I took advantage of every playing opportunity available to me: I participated in state and national audition programs, accompanied school choirs and singing auditions, as well as playing for churches, weddings, parties and business functions.
It was in college that I decided to pursue music as my profession. Teaching music is the natural culmination of my love for music and the desire to share it with others, in the hope that they will come to love it as much as I do.
Education
- Master of Music in Piano Performance, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Studied with Dr. Paul Shaw, Dr. Beatrice Ohanessian and Dr. Rebecca Shockley.
- Bachelor of Science in Piano Performance, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Studied with Dr. Carolyn Britton.
Training/Certification
- Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) by the Music Teachers National Associaton
- This Certification is based on my performance as a pianist, pedagogue, and my business practices. Most importantly, I have been evaluated as a teacher by other Nationally Certified Teachers. This certification guarantees my commitment to the students I work with through continuing my education and sharing my knowledge with my students as well as my fellow teachers.
- Ultimate Music Theory Certification
Teaching Experience
- Private piano instruction since 1996
- Have taught private lessons from my home studio in Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove and St. Michael.
- Undergraduate piano lessons at University of Minnesota, School of Music
- K&S Conservatory, Woodbury, MN
Affiliations
- Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
- Nationally Certified Teacher since 2012.
- Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
- Actively involved as a judge for contests, piano exams, music theory exams and the Music Bridges program.
- Former Vice President of New Membership.
- Former Chair of Artistic Ambassador program.
