Where Education and Inspiration Meet

As lead instructor and owner of Emerald City Music Makers, I am an experienced piano instructor who has been teaching the fundamentals of piano as well as fostering a love of making music for over 11 years both in a school setting and in students' homes.

In 2002, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in music from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. This education coupled with 12 prior years of private piano instruction cultivated a profound understanding of music theory in several different genres (e.g. classical, jazz, pop) and safe and healthy piano technique.  It also instilled in me a passion for making music and a desire to provide others with a similar opportunity.

I graduated in 2005 with a Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. In this program, emphasis is placed on child development, including children’s social, emotional and learning capabilities at different ages, birth through adolescence. Throughout my time in the program, I learned how to utilize knowledge of children’s unique developmental needs to interact with children, assess their individual strengths and weaknesses and devise activities that fit their abilities and hold their interest.

The breadth of my education in music combined with my expertise in adapting to individual learning styles and developmental abilities has enabled me to devise unique teaching strategies for every student and maximize their success and enjoyment in learning to play the piano. I have enjoyed working with students of all ages and have been so excited to enter the next phase of bringing other talented musicians and educators into my studio to take my approach and share their gifts and enthusiasm with students.