I have been teaching in my hometown of Keswick, Ontario for over 30 years!
I began piano lessons at the age of eight with Mrs. Haywood (wife of the United Church minister at the time). I then took lessons from Mrs. Scollie and finally with MaryLou Stanton in Newmarket.
Fast forward some 30 plus years and I have attended numerous pedagogy workshops, lectures and conventions, completed both Primary/Elementary and Licentiate Diplomas in Piano Pedagogy from the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music (studying with leading Canadian pedagogue Debra Wanless) and have received the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Pedagogy Award for teaching. I’m excited to be a member of the CNCM Examination Board. It is so much fun to hear and celebrate the accomplishments of young musicians!
I have been the pianist and music director for Ravenshoe United Church for many years and play and sing with long-term residents at Cedarvale. I am blessed to have a very active, exciting and fun group of children and adults in my studio.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to make every lesson a fun, learning experience.
I believe that all areas of music - technique, theory, improvisation, sight-reading, expression, ear training, ensemble playing and performing should be incorporated into the lessons.
I will work with each student to develop a curriculum that best suits their needs and interests.
Interactive movement and games away from the piano are incorporated into the lesson plans to aid in learning rhythm and theory.
Learning music provides a good foundation in communication, confidence, patience, time management and many other life-long skills.