Put on a Happy Face

I AM: busy, creative, passionate, inquisitive, stable, musical, stern, goal oriented, and always seeking a new means to an end.

My first step out of college led me to be a full time piano teacher at a local music academy. It took me one year to realize I HAD to get pedagogical training, and two years to return to school. It was a challenge returning at the graduate level, but hard work and persistence worked well for me. The graduate program offered an internship in which I was fully immersed. I completed my masters degree in two years, and soon after I again established myself as a full time piano teacher. But this time it was different. I had fulfilled my ultimate dream of obtaining a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.

What's the transforming difference? A student of Piano Pedagogy studies common themes in childhood education and applies them to concepts relative to the piano. We were given information about general psychology, different learning styles, historical approaches to teaching piano, philosophies of education, ideal leveling of various piano literature, and many specifics about piano technique. In addition, we took in mounds of advice from experienced teachers. There was so much valuable information packed into those two years. I doubt I can remember it all off-hand. But often I find myself in a practical situation with a student, which calls for a practical remedy. Three years ago I would have been stuck. But my training has enabled me to be a problem solving teacher. I am fortunate and grateful.

Aside from teaching, I am happily married. My husband has always been my support through many moments of school related stress. He always wants, and enables, me to pursue my passions. I credit the cause of my success to him. I love to cook, sew, garden, and knit. In recent years I have learned to play tennis. We live in flat and sunny Dallas, TX; where I am blessed to be a teacher to many dedicated students. My students supply me with plenty of challenges that allow me to continually perfect my craft.