Teaching

I have been active as a teacher throughout my career. My early interest in piano teaching was strengthened by work during my undergraduate and graduate academic study in the field of piano pedagogy, particularly during doctoral work at the University of Illinois, where I was able to benefit from the mentorship of James Lyke, Reid Alexander, and other leaders in this area.

Through the first half of my career in higher education, piano teaching was my principal role as a faculty member. My teaching duties diminished as I later began to work in academic leadership, but I continued to maintain my interest in piano teaching. During most of my career, in addition to teaching college students, I also taught private students. I have worked with students across a wide spectrum of age, level, and interest, including young beginners, advanced college-level and adult pianists, adult amateurs, older beginners, and students returning to the piano after a long hiatus.

I also have experience teaching in other musical areas, especially music theory, which I have taught at all undergraduate collegiate levels, and as a private tutor.

I seek to honor the individuality of each student, helping them explore their interests and goals as best I can, and shaping my work with them according to their stage of development, learning style, and previous study. I teach from the perspective, knowledge, and passion of a classical pianist, although I am comfortable to some extent with other genres and styles. However, I am committed always to being frank about where I feel I can help foster a student’s interests and goals, and where I am not the best match for those goals.

Current Teaching:

I teach in Central Vermont as an affiliate faculty member of the Monteverdi Music School (monteverdimusic.org). The Monteverdi School is based in Montpelier, although I teach from my home studio in Barre. Monteverdi frequently holds student recitals, in which my students participate, and offers a range of activities and events.

Professional Affiliations:

Vermont Music Teachers’ Association
I have served as a board member of VMTA since 2021. My students participate in a range of opportunities offered by VMTA, including its annual non-competitive Spring Festival; it also has competitive programs at a variety of levels. VMTA is a constituent state organization of the Music Teachers’ National Association.

Central Vermont Piano Teachers’ Forum
This informal group of teachers from Montpelier, Barre, and the surrounding area exists to support the work of teachers and success of their students. It sponsors recitals usually twice each year for students of its member teachers, where my students often participate.

The Leschetizky Association
As a musical “descendant” of the famed 19th century pianist and teacher Theodor Leschetizky, I have long been a member of this association formed to celebrate his pianistic legacy.

Collaboration

With extensive career experience as a pianist in a wide range of performances and collaborations (see additional information on the “About” page), I welcome conversations about possible performance projects. I am especially interested in collaborations with vocalists and/or instrumental chamber musicians.  Please use the contact form to begin a discussion.