Introduction_______________________
My piano lessons involve many facets of music. Students will be learning music theory, ear training, performance skills, and piano technique. But most importantly, my lessons are designed to help your child develop a love for playing the piano. Playing the piano is a life long skill. A child can continue their musical journey throughout their life, exploring many different types of music. They will share this love of music with their own children when they are adults.
Because we live in an age of technology, we can now use that technology to help students learn the fundamentals of music theory, rhythm, and terminology. I have a computer lab system with music theory programs which employ tutorials and games to reinforce the concepts that students learn during their lessons.
Because we live in an age of technology, we can now use that technology to help students learn the fundamentals of music theory, rhythm, and terminology. I have a computer lab system with music theory programs which employ tutorials and games to reinforce the concepts that students learn during their lessons.
Biography__________________________
I have always loved playing the piano and started lessons at the age of four. It is an important part of my life and has brought me much enjoyment. I have taught private lessons for over 20 years. I have a B.F.A. in Music Education from Florida Atlantic University. I taught elementary music classes in the public schools in Florida to grades K-5 for 8 years.
As a Junior High and High School student I studied piano with Helen Kettner at Elmhurst College. Ms. Kettner was an accomplished concert artist and a wonderfully talented teacher. We performed together in many Concerto Competitions. I have continued my study of music by learning about New Age Music, Jazz, Boogie, and Blues. I also enjoy composing music and have encouraged students to begin short compositions.
All piano lessons are taught on a Kawai Grand Piano in my home studio. I also have available a synthesizer and an electronic keyboard. We have utilized all of these keyboards for duet and trio performances at recent recitals.
As a Junior High and High School student I studied piano with Helen Kettner at Elmhurst College. Ms. Kettner was an accomplished concert artist and a wonderfully talented teacher. We performed together in many Concerto Competitions. I have continued my study of music by learning about New Age Music, Jazz, Boogie, and Blues. I also enjoy composing music and have encouraged students to begin short compositions.
All piano lessons are taught on a Kawai Grand Piano in my home studio. I also have available a synthesizer and an electronic keyboard. We have utilized all of these keyboards for duet and trio performances at recent recitals.
Continuing Professional Development__________
Succeeding at the Piano - workshop by Kevin Olson, August 2011
Music to Help Students Thrive and Strive - workshop by Mona Rejino, August 2011
Piano Marvel Workshop - August 2011
New Material and Techniques to Revitalize Your Studio - workshop by Melody Bober, August 2012
Beating the Practice-Time Blues - workshop by Glenda Austin, August 2012
Journey Through the Classics - workshop by Jennifer Linn, August 2012
David Lanz New Age Composer - workshop and concert 2012
Kevin Olson Piano Workshop - August 2013
Faber Piano Adventures Workshop - August 2013
Member - Colorado Federation of Music Clubs - Denver South Federation of Music Clubs
Member - Denver Musicians Society
Treasurer - Denver South Federation of Music Clubs
88 Keys Creative Teacher Workshop - 2014
Mona Rejino Piano Clinic - 2014
Wynn-Anne Rossi Piano Clinic - 2014
Phillip Keveren Workshop - 2015
Ensemble Workshop with Phyllis Pieffer - 2015
Workshop with Dennis Alexander - 2015
Teach Music OnLIne by Carly Walton - 2020
New Music for a Challenging Season by Wendy Stevens - 2020
Noteflight Learn Webinar - 2020
What the Pandemic teaches us about Practice - 2020
OnLine Teaching Simplified - 2020
Intermediate Piano Repertoire with Top Music - 2021
Surprise New Music with Wendy Stevens - 2023
Most requested Repertoire Releases with Wendy Stevens - 2023
Student News and Awards___________________
In 2024 there were three students who received NFMC Trophies for Superior Performance for three consecutive years in the NFMC Music Festival. Congratulations to Evelyn, Henry, and Kate for their awards for solo performance. Jayden, Sydney and Gia each received a trophy for 6 years of Superior performances,
Since 2011 when we joined the Denver South Federation, our students have earned 14 Top Performer Awards and 16 Honorable Mention Awards. The competition at these events is very intense, so we are all quite proud of these performers!!
The CFMC Junior Composer Competition selected three of our students as first place winners for the State of Colorado. They were Rio, Kai, and Narrah Padilla-Smith. All three students were entered in the Regional Competition and Narrah Padilla-Smith was also selected to compete in the National Finals. All three students received Trophies for their Compositions.
Music to Help Students Thrive and Strive - workshop by Mona Rejino, August 2011
Piano Marvel Workshop - August 2011
New Material and Techniques to Revitalize Your Studio - workshop by Melody Bober, August 2012
Beating the Practice-Time Blues - workshop by Glenda Austin, August 2012
Journey Through the Classics - workshop by Jennifer Linn, August 2012
David Lanz New Age Composer - workshop and concert 2012
Kevin Olson Piano Workshop - August 2013
Faber Piano Adventures Workshop - August 2013
Member - Colorado Federation of Music Clubs - Denver South Federation of Music Clubs
Member - Denver Musicians Society
Treasurer - Denver South Federation of Music Clubs
88 Keys Creative Teacher Workshop - 2014
Mona Rejino Piano Clinic - 2014
Wynn-Anne Rossi Piano Clinic - 2014
Phillip Keveren Workshop - 2015
Ensemble Workshop with Phyllis Pieffer - 2015
Workshop with Dennis Alexander - 2015
Teach Music OnLIne by Carly Walton - 2020
New Music for a Challenging Season by Wendy Stevens - 2020
Noteflight Learn Webinar - 2020
What the Pandemic teaches us about Practice - 2020
OnLine Teaching Simplified - 2020
Intermediate Piano Repertoire with Top Music - 2021
Surprise New Music with Wendy Stevens - 2023
Most requested Repertoire Releases with Wendy Stevens - 2023
Student News and Awards___________________
In 2024 there were three students who received NFMC Trophies for Superior Performance for three consecutive years in the NFMC Music Festival. Congratulations to Evelyn, Henry, and Kate for their awards for solo performance. Jayden, Sydney and Gia each received a trophy for 6 years of Superior performances,
Since 2011 when we joined the Denver South Federation, our students have earned 14 Top Performer Awards and 16 Honorable Mention Awards. The competition at these events is very intense, so we are all quite proud of these performers!!
The CFMC Junior Composer Competition selected three of our students as first place winners for the State of Colorado. They were Rio, Kai, and Narrah Padilla-Smith. All three students were entered in the Regional Competition and Narrah Padilla-Smith was also selected to compete in the National Finals. All three students received Trophies for their Compositions.
