I began my piano teaching adventure in 2010 at the prompting of a good neighbor who was looking for lessons for her young daughter. I'm so grateful for that little nudge!
I've loved music for as long as I can remember. I started playing violin in 4th grade and was a member of the Escambia County Youth Orchestra in my hometown of Pensacola, FL. We were the recipients of several superior ratings at adjudicated events, and even had the honor of playing on stage with Shirley Jones (remember The Partridge Family?). I still have her autograph somewhere...
Sometime in my 8th grade year, my parents bought our first piano, and I began taking lessons shortly after. Piano came relatively easy to me since I already had a musical background and taught myself how to read bass clef. I continued with my private teacher through high school, then went on to study at the University of West Florida to pursue a degree in music education. I studied piano performance for a year, then decided to change course and earned a BA and MA in counseling psychology with a focus in children's therapy. I continued to serve as a keyboardist at my church throughout college and enjoyed playing for a few friend's weddings. ☺ After college, marriage, and a move or two, I served as an accompanist for another parish in North Carolina for 5 years.
Why am I teaching piano? I love working with children (I have four of my own), and I love playing the piano! For me, teaching piano is the perfect marriage of two things that make me smile and bring joy to my life, and I am thankful that God has given me those gifts to share.
I volunteered for several years as an accompanist for the Children's and Cherub Choirs at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church where I am now employed as a liturgical musician and director of the Cherub Choir (1st-3rd graders). I'm currently a member of KTA (Keyboard Teacher's Association), and I love being part of a group whose passion for teaching brings a variety of opportunities for our students to grow in their knowledge, abilities and love for music.