How I Teach

   It all begins with a conversation.I want to get to know you — your background, your musical experiences, what inspires you, and what you hope to discover. I ask questions:•What kind of music do you love?•What do you listen to?•What feels natural or challenging?•What draws you to the piano or to singing now?Understanding who you are helps me understand how to teach you.If you’re studying voice, I’ll begin by listening — perhaps to a song or a few vocalizes — to hear what’s happening and offer some immediate reflections.If you’re studying piano, I may ask you to play something simple or explore the keyboard with me to sense your ease, movement, and musical instincts.From there, we chart a course together.⸻A Lifelong Teacher and Perpetual StudentI’ve been teaching in one form or another for over 50 years, and I remain a devoted student myself — continuously learning, taking classes, deepening my musical life, and practicing yoga and meditation for more than 30 years. These commitments shape the clarity, patience, and presence I bring to each lesson.⸻Technique With PurposeTechnique is essential — but it is a means, not an end.It clears the path so your heart, soul, and imagination can communicate freely.For pianists, this includes:•Ease and natural posture•Comfortable hand shape and movement•Breath-like phrasing•Coordination and clarity•Musicality from the very first pieces•Expressive touch and tone•Inspiring, achievable repertoireFor singers, the focus begins with:•Alignment and posture•Breath as support and freedom•Ease over effort•Healthy vocal production•Resonance and acoustic alignment•Smooth register transitions (head, mix, belt)•Expanded range and flexibility•Refining tone, articulation, color, and energyEvery person is different. My work is always shaped to your voice, your hands, your body, and your musical personality.⸻Music, Meaning, and InterpretationI work deeply with repertoire — piano pieces or songs — because that’s where technique and artistry meet.Words matter.Phrasing matters.Tone matters.Touch matters.Intention matters.Part of our work is discovering what the music is saying — and how you can bring yourself to it.⸻A Safe Space for DiscoveryFor “the magic” to happen, you must feel free to experiment.I cultivate a space where you can take risks, explore sound, and try new ideas without fear or inhibition.This is where people discover their voice.This is where pianists truly begin to play.This is where artistry flourishes.⸻The Collaborative RelationshipOne of the great joys of teaching for me is the relationship that develops through the work — musical, personal, human. I learn from every student I teach.A beloved teacher once told me:“Laugh a lot, don’t take yourself too seriously, and do good work.”It has been my teaching philosophy ever since — a prescription for growth, artistry, and lasting joy in music.