Online Piano Lessons from Livingston, Livingston, TX

At the age of 16, I opened my first piano studio- I knew I had found my purpose. I earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with honors and began my teaching career in elementary music education. My work in the elementary school prompted me to earn a certificate in Kodaly Music Instruction, a music literacy curriculum model. Since that first position, I have taught in public schools, private schools, music studios, and virtually. I’ve had students ages three to eighty at all skill and ability levels.

My teaching is guided by three principles- be inspired, find your authentic style, and create your music. Music is a language. Like any language, to be fluent, you must be able to understand it, speak it, and write it. All of my students learn to play by ear, read music, and write their own music from the very beginning. I believe in meeting students where they are, so no two lessons are the same.

I have never measured student achievement by the number of competitions or exams. Instead, I measure achievement by the way my students learn to express themselves through performance and song-writing, increase motivation and confidence, and overcome fear. I can tell you hundreds of stories about students who performed for the first time, found their life’s purpose, discovered their authentic voice, achieved life-long dreams, or simply found joy in their first composition.

As a teacher, I continue to grow as both an educator and a musician. I’ve played in community orchestras, community bands, musical theater groups, and as a piano accompanist throughout the country. I compose and arrange music and still practice my piano for an hour daily.

In 2007, I earned a certificate in Recording Arts and Music Production. The skills from this certification provide me with tools for composition and teaching. In 2024, I earned a Certificate in Sound Healing as an opportunity to understand the scientific impact of the frequency of music on learning and growth. In spring 2024, I published a book on my Natural Learning Model, a combination of my instructional strategies and experience as a teacher.

In 2013, I earned a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. The skills I learned in this program allow me to create an immersive virtual instruction environment. Materials and lesson objectives are individually selected based on student goals, formative assessment, and student engagement patterns.

During my lessons, I mix a combination of acoustic piano and small percussion instruments, virtual instruments, and whiteboard materials to create an individualized experience based on authenticity, creativity, and joy. I’ve learned the power of positive momentum, so each student receives materials and resources to practice between lessons, including songs, writing activities, listening activities and interactive resources.

My goal is that my students are inspired to learn and create.