About the Teacher

"I am very eager to provide a quality musical education that not only provides students with skills of the classical realm, but also in music theory, chord training, composing, jazz voicing, and performance when needed."

"Sharing the joy of playing a musical instrument gives joy in itself. Teaching piano and watching my students advance with my aid not only gives me a sense of pride, but also shows my students what a little practice can really do. Music is not only about practice, but the personal reason for attempting the challenge. No matter what age a student is there is joy also in their eyes as their dreams come true."

Professional Profile

Looking forward to bringing students into the twenty-first century using a unique combination of classical training and stage performance skills in the piano performance art.

Fourteen years of piano performance experience including competitions and paying performances
Experienced in teaching piano at beginner and intermediate levels
Dedicated to the concept of learning through a variety of techniques and interesting curriculum combined with an enthusiasm for music and its relation to life in general

Education, Honors, & Experience

Fourteen Years of Piano and Musical Study
Connie Keller of Fairfield, IA: initial instructor. Charlotte Lamb, Fairfield; Stephen Hillis, Fairfield; Michael Phillipsen, Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa,IA; and Evan Mazunik, University of Iowa include additional piano instructors. Jazz Ensemble mentors include David Sharp, Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA; and James H. Dreier, Ira J. Rapson, and Brent A. Sandy of the University of Iowa.

National Federation Music Clubs Competitions
Over an eight-year span achieved ten superior awards including awards in solo piano and hymn playing.

Fairfield High School Music Department
Education includes four years of choir and vocal ensembles, four years of concert band (trumpet), and three years of jazz band (piano).

Yamaha and West Music Clavinova Competition
First place state level 1998.

State Fair Singer and Jazz Band/ Celebration Iowa
Jazz band piano position for summer 1999 and summer 2000 tours.

Campus Christian Fellowship Praise Team
2002-2003 school year. Keyboard position in U of I CCF praise band.

U of I Big Band
2002-2003 and Fall 2004. Piano position, various professional performances.

U of I Latin Jazz Ensemble
2004-2005. Piano position. Public performances and ensemble training/workshops.

Computer Skills

· Software (IBM and MAC environments): Finale and Band in the Box program skills
· Working knowledge of the Internet
· Disc Orchestra Unit and sequencing skills

Experienced Educator

Conducted various lesson techniques, and tutoring/rehearsal sessions. Experience in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of piano instruction. Have instructed in areas of performance, technique, theory, composition, transcription and ear training.

Currently conducting lessons through West Music Co. in Coralville and Iowa City, IA. Lessons consist of beginner training for ages 4 through 65. Curriculum includes integrated theory, improvisation, technique, and composition. Styles include classical, folk, show tunes, contemporary, jazz, popular, and rock.

Employment

34th Army Band, 105th Troop Command

Two years and continuing with the army band located in Fairfield, IA. Positions include marching band (trumpet), concert band (trumpet), dixie land band (piano), and jazz band (piano).

Baya Jazz Quintet

A jazz combo located in Pella, IA and composed of talents from Central College, Kirkwood Community College, and the University of Iowa. Opportunities include public and private performances, and stage performance skills.

Solo Piano

Have been self-employed as a solo pianist for two years. Performances include Kiwanis and Lions Club dinner meetings, private dinner parties, and backgrounds for tips.