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Education
I graduated from Western Washington University as a music major in piano. As an undergraduate, I was privileged to teach the Aural and Keyboard Skills class for a year and received the Marjory Riverrun Music Award and two Western Music Department scholarships. I studied with Jeffrey Gilliam and Ford Hill.
Professional Background
While attending middle school, I competed in piano competitions. This prompted people to ask me to teach their children, so my teaching career started at age 14 and I have taught ever since! I am a member of the Washington State Music Teachers Association in which I have served as webmaster, newsletter editor and vice president. I am state and nationally certified as a teacher of music (SCTM, NCTM). I have performed professionally as a singer and pianist since I was 20, both as a soloist and band member, at numerous private and public functions. I was pianist and singer for a 20 piece big band, Swing Connection and currently sing with a jazz trio, featuring Paul Sorensen on the keyboard.
Teaching
In my studio, students are encouraged to improvise and learn to harmonize a melody. I think it is important for my students to be well-rounded musicians, able to function in many situations. I stress good technique, sight reading skills, ear training, music theory, harmonic analysis and music history. The foundation for my teaching is classical repertoire, but I do allow students to add other music to their lessons such as jazz or blues. Being a member of the WSMTA affords students opportunities to perform more and compete if they wish and participate in annual adjudications.
Rates
$45 per hour
$88 per month - 30 minute lesson
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