My formal music studies took me from childhood lessons with Caryl Smith in Northridge, California, to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, to the University of Colorado at Boulder. I received a BA in Piano Performance while studying with Victor Labenske at PLNU, and a MM in Piano Performance under David Korevaar at CU Boulder. While my formal education was primarily focused on classical performance, I also played jazz in a big band and a sextet, collaborated across many styles, and often premiered new music by living composers.
In my professional life, I have given performances and master classes in many states across the US, but my real passion is teaching. I have been an affiliate member of the music faculty at the Metropolitan State University of Denver since 2007, and have maintained my private studio in north Westminster/Broomfield area for almost 20 years. I love meeting people of all ages who are curious and passionate about music, and helping them find ways to connect to that through the piano.
I have been involved with local and state music teachers’ associations for most of my professional career – in particular the Broomfield Music Teachers Association, where I have served as president and have assisted in website and grant writing, and with the Colorado State Music Teachers Association, where I have served many roles including executive board member, commissioned composer chair, and MTNA competition division chair. I believe in the power of these organizations to educate and connect teachers to each other, as well as provide invaluable educational and performance experiences for music students.
