Mission Statement
Teaching a young, developing mind requires patience, creativity & genuine interest. I apply these values while teaching every student regardless of age, learning curves, and starting point. I do not consider myself an extremely strict teacher, especially on my little ones. I have found that positive reinforcement and interesting lessons make for a happier student that is more motivated to succeed.
Adults can learn too
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I absolutely love teaching my adults. It is never too late to start learning a new skill set OR relearn a lost one. I have taught a lot of couples and individual adults. It is so rewarding to see my adults develop their talent in music that they once thought would never come to fruition.
Age requirement
Your child will need to know their ABCs and most three-letter words before beginning. I recommend starting your child at age 5 or 6 depending on where they are at personally with reading and attention span. With my younger students, I use a lot of movement and motion while teaching to keep their minds and bodies active.
About me
I am 37 years old. My wife and I moved to Artesia, NM from Utah in July 2022. Before that, I lived in Eagle River, Alaska, and both southern and northern Utah. Despite what most people think, it is truly the best place on earth! (In my opinion, of course. ) We have a sassy, smart, and fun teenager that is our inspiration in life. I teach from my home studio. When I am not teaching, I am busy being a mom and accompanying various musicians for concerts, auditions, and competitions. I was a board member of the Utah Music Teacher's Association and judged many Acheivement In Music State Competitions. I enjoy finding new inspiration in life every day. I love spiritual philosophy, serving others including strangers, camping, being in nature with my family, Ghost Hunting, learning new things about astrology, read books, listen to podcasts, travel the world, and meditate.
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Background and Experience
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I started learning piano from my mum at age 3. She taught me rigorously and lovingly. I remember doing flashcard races with my older brothers every day and writing my own songs from the age of 5. I began instruction at an established studio at age 8. I began violin lessons and voice lessons at 12. I continued lessons until I was 16. In my sophomore year, I accompanied my high school jazz choir for 2 years. I was also the pianist at my church, and a part-time piano instructor for young children. That same year, I was granted the opportunity to write a small choral piece for my high school's advanced choir. My student clientele began to grow within my community. I graduated from high school in my junior year at 16, almost 17 years old. I received a full-ride scholarship to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah (UVU) as the elite choir's accompanist. I had the opportunity to compose music for local vocal artists signed to recording contracts, as well as compose a six-part choir piece for the University of Utah. My greatest and most treasured accomplishment in school was accompanying the elite choir in their performance of "The Messiah" at the well-known Tabernacle in Provo, UT. After 2 years at UVU, I moved to Logan, Utah, and attended Utah State (Go Aggies!). I wanted to major in Music (Recreational) Therapy and minor in Music Education. In 2008, my family convinced me to audition for "American Idol" and I was blessed to get a spot on the show in Hollywood and go all the way to the top 30s. It was an invigorating experience that helped me realize that as much as I loved performing, my true calling is teaching music.
In my previous and current studios, I have taught as many as 40 students at a time starting at age 5 and ranging up to adults and advanced pianists/vocalists. I also accompany other musicians for their various band, choral, and orchestra auditions, competitions, and evaluations. From time to time I will substiutute teach at the elementary schools, junior high, or high school music classes.
I have a deep passion for staying active in the local music community, and staying up to date and educated in national music teaching procedures/methods.
First Steps
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If you would like to schedule a consultation with you or your child, please contact me by phone call, text, website subscription, booking online, or via email. I will set up a free consultation for the parent and child so that we may establish the current level, goals, and learning curves prior to setting a weekly lesson and purchasing your personal materials.
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I teach a range of methods to my students depending on the family's needs and interests. I teach from a set of books called "Piano Adventures". They are highly rated and easily accessible at most local music stores as well as online. The 1st and 2nd lessons for your student will just be getting to know what level they are at while establishing a set of rules and expectations for their weekly lessons, home practices, recitals, and homework. There are four books at each level: lesson, theory, technique & artistry, performance.
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I rely on balance and structure, while also making sure the student has plenty of things to enjoy and smile about every week. I have many incentive programs such as: points accrued to earn prizes, intermittent student parties, and yearly themed performance recitals. I absolutely love teaching music and make sure to accommodate every student's personal learning curve.
I will email you a form to fill out prior to the consultation or you can print the form directly from the home page of this website. Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my website. I look forward to any future communications with you! Please consider subscribing to my website to receive updates. You are welcome to book your FREE consultation today!
