Bio

Did you study music in school?

Yes, I have a Bachelor of Music Composition from Boston University and a Master of Music Composition from Rice University. I also worked toward a Doctorate of Musical Arts at BU. I studied piano as well as composition.

How long have you been playing?

I started taking piano lessons at age 5, so 40 years….still trying to get better every day.

Do you teach using a certain method?

No. But I come from a classical background and employ elements from several pedagogical methods I’ve learned over the years, including Suzuki and Kodaly. (I’ve pasted my Studio FAQ below, which has more about that.)

How do you teach (foundational skills? Ear development?)

I cater private lessons to the individual student, his/her needs, experience, and goals.  Most of my lessons include some music theory & composition, and some of them involve pop music (and songs from other genres) as well as classical music.  It truly depends on the specific student.  I work on general musicianship with all of my students.  This includes solfege ("Do-Re-Mi") singing, rhythm development, memorization, sight-reading, aural (listening) skills, and some analysis of musical form and structure.

Do you teach out your home or at the students home?

Both, though at the moment only virtually due to Covid-19.

Do you have references?

Yes, available upon request.