Hello

I always knew I'd be a teacher. It's who I am.

I've been teaching for more than 40 years, starting in a supervised training program and continuing through both university positions and my private studio. I've been fortunate to have been trained and mentored by world-renowned pedagogues who taught me to prioritize the student, then the subject. Healthy, caring relationships form the foundation of our work together and through those, beautiful music-making develops through knowledge and technical playing skills. It's a precious opportunity to spend time making music with my students, enriching both of our lives.

I want students to gain skills that last them a lifetime, but even more, I hope that they love making music, listening to music and sharing it with others.

My Story

I started playing the piano when I was four, but didn't start lessons until I was 7. I always loved playing (but not always practicing!). When I went off to college, my goal was to be a high school choir director. My piano teacher changed all of that for me. Marvin Blickenstaff, a world-renowned pedagogue, discovered, encouraged and nurtured my skills as a piano teacher. He modeled healthy, loving relationships that pushed students to be their best selves and to create beauty. That's my goal -- to make the world a better place through music.

Education and Experience

BA in music with a focus in piano pedagogy and music education, Goshen College, Goshen, IN

MM in piano performance, The Wichita State University, Wichita, KS

Faculty positions at Hesston College, Goshen College, Grace College and Fresno Pacific University

Former Chair of the Independent Music Teachers Committee for the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy

Board positions with MTAC Fresno (President, Secretary, Program Chair)

Articles published in Keyboard Companion and The Piano Magazine

Adjudicator for IMEA, MTAC Certificate of Merit and MTAC Fresno