I have played piano as long as I can remember. I began lessons at the age of six and continued through my freshman year of college. I served as the pianist for worship and choir at my church in Glen Carbon from 2007-2012. I majored in piano performance at Greenville College for my freshman year. After changing my major to elementary education I still participated in music on campus through accompanying voice students for performances, accompanying for 3 senior voice recitals. I also participated in a group known as Keyboard Ensemble. Each member played one keyboard that voiced a section of an orchestra/band. I graduated from Greenville College with a degree in Elementary Education and taught in the classroom for 2 years. I currently serve as the pianist for Redeemer Community Church in O’Fallon, Illinois.
I began teaching piano in 2004. I am passionate about giving students a way to express themselves. My goal is for my students to develop a lifelong joy and passion for music. I strongly believe that asking questions is much more effective than giving instruction. Through this strategy students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will participate in two recitals a year; one in December and one at the beginning of summer. It is gratifying as a musician to work on a challenging piece and, after mastering it, perform it for family and friends. Music is meant to be shared and all students are strongly encouraged to participate in recitals.
At each lesson students are challenged through honest, yet supportive feedback for allows them to become self-motivated and independent learners. Students learn to critique and evaluate their own music through listening and their understanding of music theory. I also provide students with several practice strategies to use during their at-home practice times.