Experience:
I began teaching piano my senior year of high school and officially set up my studio after graduating with a B.A. in Music Education in December of 1995. Previously employed as a teacher and a church musician, I now accompany several choirs and recitals in the area and volunteer my services to my home church here in Lawrence, KS. I am also pursuing my masters degree from the University of Kansas.

Method:
Each student is very different and after several weeks of instruction I have a better idea of which method that student will thrive under. Typically, I begin 4-5 year olds in the "Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse" series, 6-10 year olds in the Bastien series, 11-15 year olds in the Alfred series, and adults in the Alfred Adult series. I incorporate theory and scale work at a relatively early stage of learning. Technical exercises are also important to begin soon after a basic knowledge is achieved.

Typical lesson times are 1/2 hour every week. Every 6 months a recital is planned in which I strongly encourage my students' attendance and participation. It is a wonderful time to begin to share your music with others and to be inspired and developed as a pianist.

I am continually excited about playing and teaching piano. My goal is to share this excitement and to use my knowledge to help instill a love of music in my students. With both student and teacher giving their best, we can see some wonderful musical milestones!

Welcome:
Students
*beginners, intermediate, and advanced players of any age
*those willing to be disciplined to practice diligently

Performances
*accompanying needs
*dinner parties
*weddings

Other Instruments:
My husband is also a musician, holding a B.M. in Music Education and a M.M. in Trumpet Performance. Stephen currently freelances in the area and has an active trumpet studio. He gives lessons out of our home, and if you are looking for both a piano and trumpet instructor, we may be able to work out a convenient lesson time.

Benefits:
Whether it works out for me to work with you or not, I strongly encourage the pursuit of musical knowledge. The student will learn concentration skills that foster success in everything else he or she does. Playing the piano will also develop coordination. Exposure to the arts widens a student's horizons and will give him or her a framework for other learning. Best of all, the student will experience the joy of reading music. The ability to read music and play songs of choice is a joy that will remain for a lifetime!