Piano Experience
I have been playing piano for over 20 years, initially teaching myself a lot of the musical and instrumental concepts, but thereafter taking lessons to help refine my playing and learn about more advanced elements. I took lessons in this way for quite a few years until becoming more comfortable with complex, challenging pieces including those of Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Schubert.
A number of years into my playing experience, I finished among the top 4 in the Littleton Symphony Orchestra Piano Concerto Competition with Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto.
I expanded my piano experience by playing keys in the jazz band and then trumpet. I accompanied a play as the pianist and accompanied singers as well.
Later on, I attended the Lamont School of Music Academy for Piano performance and studied under multiple instructors. I performed as part of a dedicated chamber group and studied in multiple master classes as well.
I then trained under the Taubman technique throughout the next year and have continued working on repertoire under this framework ever since.
I continue teaching piano, taking advanced instruction in it, and teaching composition and music theory as well.
Teaching Experience
I began teaching piano as my very first job and continue it to this day!
I started teaching piano around a decade into my study of it and have been doing so for over a decade now. I initially started by taking on beginning students as I gained more experience, and this was my full occupation during that time. I added on academic tutoring to my list of teaching vocations (as well as being a Teaching Assistant in college) and continue doing so to this day. I also started teaching music theory and composition because of my extensive experience with music playing and music writing (both for piano solo and for larger orchestrations) and am currently accepting students in these subjects as well.
Teaching has always been my job, because I understand how students learn and can impart my knowledge to them in an efficient and effective way. I have learned a lot from teaching throughout the years, both in effective piano playing and in passing this knowledge on to others so they’re also able to succeed in their technique and musicality.
I’m currently taking on intermediate and advanced piano students as well as music theory and composition students, both locally and nonlocally (online).
Musical Experience
In addition to my aforementioned piano and teaching experience, I also have other extensive experience with music.
I played the trumpet for almost a decade, including lead positions in various concert bands and jazz bands. I played 1st chair in much of the concert music as well as some lead trumpet parts in the jazz big band and combos. I even arranged some music there, performed in concert.
I have worked extensively with composing and arranging music for both large orchestral groups and piano solo, giving me a good foundation for teaching composition and music theory. Although the piano is the best instrument with which to study theory and composition, I teach non-piano students as well.
I have played music in many types of ensembles, from jazz bands and combos to classical chamber groups, so I know many of the ins and outs of musical performance. I have also played with singers as an accompanist.
I’m happy to hear from you about your musical needs and goals! Contact me and we can get started.