About

My Musical Journey

I’m a pianist and educator whose four-decade career is a vibrant tapestry woven from my experiences as a collaborative pianist, innovative music instructor, interdisciplinary artist, and advocate for music’s transformative power.

Collaborative Tapestry: Influences and Training

My musical journey is deeply rooted in collaboration. I hold a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Northern Arizona University, both earned with honors. My studies also took me to prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, including the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College, and the Guildhall School of Music in London.

My passion for music was nurtured from an early age in a musical household. Growing up with musical parents, I was particularly influenced by my father, an accomplished opera tenor. This early exposure instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for vocal music and its expressive power—an influence that continues to inform both my collaborative work and my teaching.

Early in my career, I realized that my hands were not ideally suited for the traditional concert pianist path. That realization became a turning point, guiding me toward collaborative piano and teaching—fields that allowed me to explore rich musical partnerships across continents, genres, and artistic disciplines. My ability to connect with people through music and my cross-cultural communication skills have profoundly influenced my approach to piano instruction, where I emphasize both technical proficiency and deep musical collaboration and expression.

Cross-Cultural Harmonies: A Global Stage

My performance career has been marked by global reach and diverse collaborations.

These experiences have shaped me into an adaptable, versatile performer and collaborator who thrives on creative exchange and cultural connection.

The Art of Collaborative Instruction

My extensive collaborative experiences have profoundly influenced my teaching philosophy. Over more than four decades of instruction, I’ve cultivated a strong technical foundation rooted in the Tobias Matthay pedagogy while nurturing each student’s individual voice and love of music. My work with vocalists, in particular, has deepened my understanding of phrasing, breath control, and expression—skills I integrate into every lesson.

Beyond Boundaries: An Interdisciplinary Approach

My artistic vision extends beyond the piano to embrace interdisciplinary art forms. My background in ballet and dance accompaniment gives me a unique perspective on the interplay between music and movement. My exploration of world music and percussion, including frame drumming, has expanded my rhythmic vocabulary and deepened my appreciation for global musical traditions.

In 2023, I founded Transformance Art, a 501(c)(3) creative arts organization dedicated to facilitating individual and collective wellness through the transformative power of fine arts experiences. Transformance Art embodies my belief that the arts can heal, connect, and transform communities. Through collaborative and multifaceted artistic expression, we aim to foster empathy, understanding, and healing—demonstrating the arts’ power to address challenging issues and promote well-being.

Creating Lifelong Musicians

Driven by a deep passion for music—especially vocal music—and enriched by diverse experiences, I offer comprehensive music instruction that inspires a lifelong love of music and supports each student’s unique development. By integrating my performance experiences, I help students explore the connections between art forms and experience music’s transformative potential.

Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate lifelong musicians who not only play with technical mastery but also with understanding, empathy, and joy.

My journey—spanning continents, genres, and disciplines—reflects a life devoted to music as a force for collaboration, education, and social impact.