Personal Statement/Bio:

I love to teach music, because I want everyone to love and enjoy it as much as I do. Music has the ability to profoundly enrich and change lives for the better. I have taught music privately as well as in school and church settings. I love to see people of all ages learn many things as a result of studying piano, voice and music including rhythm, melody, harmony, music literacy, ear-training, performance ability, practice methods, hand-eye coordination, self-confidence, dedication, discipline, social interaction, math and a love for music.

Education/Training:

I have a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. I studied piano for six years prior to entering college as a piano major. I studied piano at the college level for one year before switching to voice. My musical training in college included (but not limited to)the following: Four years of music theory and aural skills which included composition, harmonic dictation, form and analysis and sight-reading, four years of private voice lessons which included weekly performances in studio and master classes, two years of music history, one year of diction, one year of choral literature, one year of choral conducting, one year of vocal pedagogy, one year of liturgy/hymnody, one year of organ lessons, one semester of instrumental playing techniques, one semester of music in the elementary schools, one semester of music in the junior high, and one year of Alexander Technique. I did a one-year internship at a church as a music director and church secretary where I directed both adult and children's choir, lead the congregational singing and played piano and organ as needed. I performed in University Singers for four years, Opera Workshop for one semester, Jazz Vocal Ensemble for one year, and Steel Drum Band for one year.

I studied Music Therapy for one semester at East Carolina University which included a practicum where I lead music for worship services in the rehab wing of the spinal-cord and head injury unit at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC.

Teaching Philosophy:

In addition to using my own knowledge and experience in the studio to teach, I also use Alfred Piano method books for piano students, for the most part. I also teach a chord approach for teen and adult students who prefer to learn on a quicker track. This method integrates chordal and harmonic structure from early in the lessons. This is a great approach to study for those who want to learn pop, rock and country stylings on piano without learning all the details of piano theory and technique.

I use a wide array of materials for vocal instruction including methods by Anne Peckham and Estelle Liebling. However, I teach to the student, not to the method. What I mean by that is that every student learns differently, so I help each student to find the best and most appropriate path of musical learning possible for their individual learning style, as well as their musical tastes and preferences.

I also offer vocal coaching sessions to individuals and bands who need help on specific songs as well as with harmony, breathing, phrasing and blending with other singers.

I offer music theory lessons as well for those who would like to learn how to read music or improve their reading skills to enhance their own singing or instrument-playing.

Music Programs:

I sang as a member and a soloist in the Asheville, NC chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the Tar River Chorus in Rocky Mount, NC, the Old Fort Community Chorus in Old Fort, NC, the Marion Community Chorus in Marion, NC, and many church choirs and praise teams throughout NC.

In 2009, I sang with the Victorian Carolers based in Raleigh, NC. This included performances with Disney's Christmas Carol Train Tour.

I am a current member of the North American Music Teachers Association since June 2010.

Cancellation Policy:

The teacher must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of cancellations. No lessons will be rescheduled or refunded for other activities that interfere with a student's weekly standing appointment lesson time. This includes, but is not limited to, school and church functions involving extra-curricular activities such as sport events, plays, concerts, rehearsals, exchange programs or night school courses and also, birthday parties, doctor, dental or salon appointments.

Promotions:

Free in-studio consultation for parents/students to determine if they would like to enroll in lessons. This time includes meeting, brief discussion of prior musical experience, if any, discussion of musical goals and show of various materials, books and methods that may be used in the lessons, as well as a presentation of the lesson contract and opportunity to enroll and pre-pay for lessons.