With International Steinway Artist, Peter Mack and CAPMT VP of Districts, Coralee Gaytan at the CAPMT State Conference 2014.

Accepting Chapter of the Year award from CAPMT State President, Sue Field.

Chairing the TVMTA Benefit Concert with fellow teachers.

With Seymour Berstein at the MTNA National Music Conference 2016

With Jane Bastien, Composer at the MTNA National Music Conference

With current CAPMT State President, Noreen Wenjen and pianists, Dmitri Rachmanov and Edward Francis at the MTNA National Music Conference 2016

Receiving flowers for serving on the CAPMT State Conference Committee 2014

CAPMT Executive Board - 2017

Philosophy

My desire is to instill a love of music that will last a life-time. I believe that music lessons can be enriching for everyone, no matter what level or age. Through the study of piano with me, students are taught not only the musical fundamentals, but also to enjoy making music from a fun and artistic perspective. Music is creative and should never be dry or boring. My hope is that students develop an appreciation of music that will last throughout their lives.

My Background

I studied performance under the concert pianist and teacher, Margaret De'ak along with theory and composition from Stephen De'ak, Professor of Music at Peabody Conservatory, Curtis Institute of Music, and USC. I also studied theory & composition at Berklee College of Music. In addition, I hold a teaching certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada.  I continue to attend multiple teaching seminars, master classes, and conferences though many different associations in order to continually improve my own teaching skills.

I began teaching music lessons in 1976.  In 1996, in addition to my home studio,  I also began teaching piano and theory lessons in educational schools in Orange County and later in Riverside County.  In 2000, I moved to the Inland Empire, where I currently teach from  my own private studio for the Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Elsinore, and San Diego areas.

I run a full studio and am very dedicated to providing the best possible instruction to my students. I consider it a privilege and a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with them. Most have participated and /or won awards in recitals, evaluations, or competitions, and some have continued on to college where they are earning degrees in music. 

My current affiliations are:

• Temecula Valley Music Teachers Association (TVMTA) - President ​
  
• Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) - Center Representative and Founding Teacher
  
• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) - Active member
  
• Music Teacher Associaation of CA  (MTAC) - Active member
  
• Steinway Society - Active member
• American College of Musicians / National Guild of Piano Teachers - Active member
  
• California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) - State Treasurer 2013- 2017
  

These affiliations make available many opportunities including recitals, evaluations and competitions. While participation in these events is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that students choose some events to participate in, as they encourage, motivate, and inspire students to meet mutually agreed upon goals which result in increased learning, fulfillment, and confidence.

 

With Claude Frank at the World Pedagogy Conference.

Receiving certificate & flowers from CAPMT President, Jennifer Snow for contributions to the CAPMT Executive Board - 2017

Teaching Philosophy & Background

CAPMT members at Conference Gala 2016 Elizabeth Medici; Gail Lew; Lee Galloway, NCTM; Sue Field; Jeremy Pass; Noreen Wenjen, NCTM