1046 Lorenzo Ct, Seaside CA, 93955
Instruments:Chorus, Composition, Ear Training, Early Music, Piano, Theory, Violin
Styles:Classical, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Kids
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:16 years
Rate:$60 / hr
Personal Statement
I have a passion and love for music. Music is powerful, and it is my hope to use that power to uplift and inspire and bring hope to those around me.
My second passion is seeing the potential in others and helping them reach high and feel satisfaction in reaching their musical goals.
Education / Training
I studied violin with Shirley Stafford, Dr. Percy Kalt(former head of the music department of BYU), Christine Davis (Former concert master of the Utah Valley Symphony). I completed with the Suzuki method when I was in the 9th grade and while I am so fluent with it and I use the repertoire often in my teaching, I also feel that it is only for the auditory learner and early beginner. It is important to add note reading and theory early in your music education, so I use supplementary material as well as other method books as appropriate to the age and learning style of my students.
I was fortunate to play with The Utah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Dr Clynn Barrus, Robert C. Bowden, and Britton Davis. We were able to tour St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia, Estonia, Belgium, Holland. The St. Petersburg Orchestra in St. Petersburg and the Mussorgsky College Orchestra in Moscow joined with us for concerts in their respective cities.
I have been playing the piano since I was around four years old and studied with Evelyn Porter and Marilyn Lambson. I composed my first piece at 12 years old and have continued to compose since. I approach piano teaching with a variety of methods as each method has it’s particular weakness and strength. Since people have different styles of learning, it is important that we find the method that best caters to that learning style, while still developing the others.
My Father was a vocal performance major in college and we grew up with a great deal of singing and training. I also studied voice with Colleen Curran, and sung in various chamber choirs and show choirs. I enjoy musical theatre and I currently am a listed Music Director at a local children’s theatre in Salinas.
I believe that composition and music theory are necessary for understanding and creating beautiful music. I believe it is the equivalent of teaching a man to fish instead of giving him a fish as the old metaphor goes. Understanding theory is empowering!
I have been privileged to conduct a religious choir for the last 17 years. We put on Christmas Programs and prepare special musical numbers for biannual conferences.
I am also a contracted guest conductor and Sting Specialist and have worked with our local high school orchestras. I help prepare them for their spring concert each year by helping them improve their technique, teaching bowing styles, and overall music expression and interpretation.
I am available on Friday afternoons at the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts in Carmel, CA for private lessons.