I am a professional piano teacher, pianist, and composer in Boise, Idaho (Columbia Village). I have been teaching for 20+ years and love it. I earned a BA in music as well as a BA in French at Boise State University. I have taught piano lessons in small groups, one-on-one and even in a classroom equipped with 25 keyboards. Along the way, I have had the privilege of teaching many really great kids who have gone on to pursue many different career paths. I always enjoy receiving updates about their progress. I have been lucky in that I have had some really excellent teachers throughout my life. Notable teachers with whom I have studied are: Dr. Del Parkinson, Dr. James Cook, Dr. Barton Moreau and internationally acclaimed pianist, Craig Sheppard. I feel that, in a way, I am paying homage to them by being the best teacher that I can be and, of course, by continuing to learn and improve my playing skills. I take pleasure in sharing my talents and knowledge, which I have made an enormous effort to acquire.
Despite my busy teaching schedule, I still manage to find the time to perform and compose. I played a recital featuring Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Balakirev, Chopin, Poulenc and Fauré at Sherman Clay Pianos in Seattle in 2012 and played at Dunkley Music here in Boise before going to study in France for the summer of 2012. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed inviting small groups of people over to share some of the pieces that I have been working on with them. In the school year of 2015-2016, I presented the music of Chopin, Beethoven, Poulenc as well as my own compositions in four recitals. In 2017, I performed music by Schubert and Rachmaninoff. In 2019, I played the primo piano part of Shostakovich’s Concertino in A minor at Boise State University alongside Daniel Huang. I love playing the piano and am very proud of the effort that I have made in order to learn how to play so well. I am even prouder of the students I have had who have also put in much effort and play very well. I have always believed learning a skill is a simple equation: Time + Effort = Progress. It really is that simple.
In my spare time, I stay active, exercising, reading, writing, composing, speaking French and spending time with my son. Music consumes most of my life. I frequently attend recitals because every time I go I learn something new while keeping up on my musical repertoire. Composing and writing have been my creative outlets for years. I use them to organize observations (musical or life), and it helps me stay creative and imaginative. Currently, I am preparing a program featuring Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Chopin.
As for my future, I see myself teaching, performing and composing in Boise for many years to come!
If you are still curious about me and would like more details on my playing, check out my original compositions on youtube. Here is the link: