Teaching the newest group of music lovers and musical artists on harp and piano
Helping others achieve their musical dreams
At any age and any musical level, I am excited to help students explore and develop their musical voices and personalities. I help students have fun and love the music they make, realize their full potential, develop creative and critical thinking skills, and be inspired to share their skills with their community. Together, students and I achieve their goals and have a great time doing it.
I started piano at 5 years old and harp at 8. I studied with some of the world’s best musicians. The skills and knowledge I gained gave me the ability to help aspiring harpists and pianist achieve their dreams quickly and easily. I’m passionate about helping music lovers reach their goals and I can’t wait to see those goals realized!
I am currently accepting students within the Kitsap peninsula and greater Seattle area. I also provide Skype/Zoom/FaceTime/etc. lessons for those outside of this area.
What My Students Learn
All the tools that make a great musician, problem-solver, and life-long lover of music
Music Literacy
I teach from the very beginning, including how to read music: note names, rhythms, dynamics, tempi, and all the elements that are necessary to translate what’s on the page into sound.
Interpretation
By interpreting music, it becomes personalized, meaningful, and unique. I teach how to make informed decisions on phrasing, timing, dynamics, articulation, and tempo which are just some of the elements involved in interpreting music.
Music Theory & History
Students deepen their understanding and appreciation of music through music theory and music history. Students will understand how the music is built and how it fits within history.
Professional Qualities
Students will develop professional qualities that will enable the book weddings and gigs, compete in music competitions and scholarships, or propel them toward a career as an orchestral harpist.
Transferable Skills
Music is part math, part physics, part neuroscience, part communication, and part art. Students advance their understandings of the mathematics of music, the physics of sound, how to train their brains effectively and accurately, how to communicate to others, and make expressive, beautiful music.
Technique
My students develop solid techniques upon which all their music making is built. I teach how to enable accuracy, stability, and agility, with a focus on injury prevention.
Creative Problem-Solving
I prioritize teaching students how to invent solutions to musical and technical problems on their own and how to determine what solution is the best. Critical and creative thinking skills are developed and honed during lessons which are explored more in the practice room.
Developing a Unique Voice
By exploring their creative facets, learning different musical styles, engaging their critical thinking skills, and making musical decisions for themselves, students find their voice and communicate through the language of music.
Mindfulness
Students are taught mindfulness regarding their physical sensations, moods, thoughts, and actions. This deepened awareness helps decision-making, focus, and to strengthen their skills and actions.
Career Options
If interested in a career in music, I guide my students toward success. Wedding and gig musician, orchestra musician, music teacher, orchestra librarian, and musical therapist are just a few of many options that anyone can build a career around.
Over the past fifteen years, I have taught students all over the US and Canada on harp and piano. I’ve taught a variety of students across all age and skill levels, helping them refine their skills and create the music they want to create.
My students have auditioned for and gotten into arts-oriented high schools such as the School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Students of mine have entered competitions, played in recitals, and taken additional music classes in school. I’ve helped prepare them for auditions and competitions, or helped them achieve their personal goals of being able to play the music they love. Many students that I started off on harp or piano continue their musical training to this day. I’ve watched many develop their musical and social voices, develop the confidence to express themselves in public in recitals, and make friends with fellow musicians.
In 2018 my colleague Rachel Miller and I launched the Queen City Harp Seminar, a two week harp ensemble program culminating in a recital. The seminar was a wonderful experience for the harpists in the program who ranged from beginner to advanced, and everyone deepened their ability to collaborate.
