My first memory of piano music was when I was a young child. I remember listening to my older sister practice her piano lesson while I roller skated around the basement floor of my parents' home in Michigan. I was thrilled when I got to start taking piano lessons myself. I picked up several other instruments through my school age including clarinet and guitar but piano was always my favorite. I greatly appreciate my beginning teacher, Mrs. Koontz, and in High School, Mrs. Darlene Bourdon.
I began my college career with an English major at Goshen College. But when I learned about the Piano Pedagogy Program, I thought it was just too fun to pass up. I studied private lessons with Kathryn Sherer. My pedagogy teachers were Mrs. Sherer and Marvin Blickenstaff. (Marvin Blickenstaff is one of the authors of the Music Pathways Series, which is the main series that I use in teaching.) I graduated from Goshen College in 1986 with a B.A. in Music and an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. I have maintained a piano studio since graduating. I currently have a studio in my home.
After college, I continued with my music education by taking a conducting course from I.U.S.B. and continued my piano studies with John Owens and Mary Jo Preheim.
I have been very active in using my musical gifts at church. I have directed several children’s musicals, directed choirs, frequently lead Sunday morning singing, and play piano for Prelude and Offertory.
I have a very supportive husband who helps with recitals and classes. I also have two very talented children who play piano.
The joy and enthusiasm I had as a child, roller skating to my sister's piano music, is what I still continue to pursue in my adult life. It is what I hope to pass on to all those who walk through my studio doors. It is this joy of music that embraces the soul and lasts a lifetime.
I began my college career with an English major at Goshen College. But when I learned about the Piano Pedagogy Program, I thought it was just too fun to pass up. I studied private lessons with Kathryn Sherer. My pedagogy teachers were Mrs. Sherer and Marvin Blickenstaff. (Marvin Blickenstaff is one of the authors of the Music Pathways Series, which is the main series that I use in teaching.) I graduated from Goshen College in 1986 with a B.A. in Music and an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. I have maintained a piano studio since graduating. I currently have a studio in my home.
After college, I continued with my music education by taking a conducting course from I.U.S.B. and continued my piano studies with John Owens and Mary Jo Preheim.
I have been very active in using my musical gifts at church. I have directed several children’s musicals, directed choirs, frequently lead Sunday morning singing, and play piano for Prelude and Offertory.
I have a very supportive husband who helps with recitals and classes. I also have two very talented children who play piano.
The joy and enthusiasm I had as a child, roller skating to my sister's piano music, is what I still continue to pursue in my adult life. It is what I hope to pass on to all those who walk through my studio doors. It is this joy of music that embraces the soul and lasts a lifetime.