About the Teacher
Teaching is my passion. I design my lesson plans according to the age and ability of every student I teach. I use creative methods to teach reading sheet music, playing with proper technique and understanding music theory in order to enjoy playing with ease.
I have been teaching piano lessons in Lakeway and surrounding area for 27 years.
My credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with piano emphasis from the University of Texas in Austin in 1980, and a Texas teaching certification in all-level Music (general music and choir) from the University of Houston in 1988.
I taught general classroom music and middle school choir from 1988 to 1995 in Texas public schools in Austin, Houston, Alvin, Baytown and Marble Falls prior to devoting my career to teaching private piano lessons to students in Lakeway and the surrounding Austin area. My performance experience includes accompanying middle and high school choirs, high school vocalists, instrumentalists, and The University of Texas ballet classes. For several years I was a church pianist and accompanist for several churches: Lakeway Church, Great Hills Baptist Church, Gateway Baptist Church, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Bee Creek Methodist Church and Joy Lutheran Church
Teaching Philosophy
The main goal of my teaching is to guide the students to play musically and establish a foundation for lifelong appreciation of music.
I believe each student is a unique individual and is gifted in different ways. Therefore, the lessons are designed to suit their individual needs so they enjoy what they are learning and progress at their own pace.
Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a student should be done early, ideally during their first lessons. Subsequent instruction should be tailored according to the results of the evaluation, with specific exercises and materials assigned to help the students take advantage of their strengths and overcome weaknesses.
Regular practicing is a must. Practicing daily is the best way to produce good performance results and help the students develop an understanding of their own learning processes. Record keeping of practice times either by the students themselves or by their parents is a good way to ensure timely accomplishment of assignments and encourage the students to be responsible for their own learning.
Acquiring basic techniques and fundamental knowledge is of paramount importance for learning the piano. I hope to train students who will take responsibilities in learning and practice, know the fundamentals, and enjoy piano playing as part of their lives.