Why I Teach Piano
The ability to play the piano has been the greatest gift I have ever received. Playing music has helped me express joy and love at the highest highs of my life and process grief and sadness at the lowest lows. The piano has been a companion, a resource, a toy, and even a confidante of mine ever since childhood, and I want others to be able to experience that type of relationship with the instrument as well.
I also feel a duty to welcome students into the educational lineages I am proudest to hail from, including a jazz lineage connected to Oscar Peterson, a classical lineage connected to Martin Katz (who wrote the book on Collaborative Piano), and a folk lineage deep in my Southeast Alaskan roots. There is profound knowledge in these lineages, and I want other to have access to them.
Book a free trial!
Lessons are available to new and experienced students ages 5 and up, including adults. I "specialize" in being a multi-genre teacher and (after basic foundations are mastered) students can choose to learn in classical or jazz traditions (or both!). My approach emphasizes joy and creativity, and I value having a sense of community amongst my students.
Interested in a free 30-minute trial lesson? Fill out a form below to get set up.
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching is guided by these tenets:
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Learning should be fun!
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Students' cultures, backgrounds, and interests are assets to their learning.
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You can't learn music without practicing.
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You can't learn music without performing.
Read more about these philosophies and more below.
Pricing & Policies
I offer both in-person and virtual lessons depending on your proximity to my home base in Hamilton, NY. My standard length is 45-minute lessons, but I also offer 30-minute lessons to young kids & virtual students and 60-minute lessons for advanced pianists.
Youth students must enroll in 16-week semesters, while adult students may enroll four lessons at a time.
Read my full studio policies, including my rates, below.