July 2024

Playing piano at Mission Point Resort, Mackinaw Island

​I have been allied with The Piano Cottage now for 1 year, and this has worked out very well for me. In addition to taking care of the business end of things, it has been a great source for acquiring new students. I have had the privilege of working with some really wonderful young people. And a few adults. I am teaching piano, clarinet and voice there.

I would love to branch out more into the home school community by providing in-home lessons for families this year again. Pre-COVID, this was over half of my music student demographic. Spring 2020, I did learn to Zoom lessons, and that was quite a learning experience for me. But, I still prefer sitting next to students and providing immediate corrections and hands-on demonstrations. I really rely, too, on adjusting the direction of instruction based on my students' cues, both verbal and non-verbal. I like to keep variety during lessons: playing together, improvising, ear training, music games, watching a YouTube performance, etc.  However, I know there are several teachers out there to choose from. 

What I pride myself on providing is an individual approach for the unique learning styles and goals of each and every one of my students. My broad experience has enabled me to try many different approaches. I want to fashion lesson experiences that mold to the students' direction of learning. Through this process, I also have been able to learn various techniques and approaches from student suggestions and their experiences. Music lessons with me are definitely a two-way street, and every session is an exploration into what works, how we learn, musical ideas and FUN!

Here's where you could hear me perform: 

I continue to perform at Von Maur, Woodland Mall. I play piano with Good Medicine Band, and fill in with Ransom Street Big Band and In Full Swing occasionally also. I play for Sunday Services at St. Luke's Lutheran Church on 4 mile. On clarinet, I am playing in Grand Rapids Symphonette, and Calder City Concert Band. I provide piano/vocal event music for organizations that call on me for parties and receptions. I also sing often at Temple Emanuel services on Fulton Street.