Classical, Contemporary, Broadway & Movie Hits, Pop, Jazz & Blues, Theory, Composition, Chamber Music
Events
Recitals, Competitions
Language(s)
English
Teaching Approach
I am passionate about helping piano students of all ages and all levels reach their full potential technically and musically while making every lesson challenging and enjoyable.
I adjust my teaching approach to the learning style of each student. For instance, I have noticed that many students on the autism spectrum benefit from a highly structured approach, and it is really satisfying to see them making a lot of progress while having fun at their lessons.
My teaching methods are based largely on what I learned from my wonderful world-renowned teachers. I teach an amazing weight-based piano technique that is both injury-resistant and virtuosic, and that enables pianists to play even the most difficult music effortlessly and expressively. I help my students develop an understanding of music theory for analysis, composition, improvisation, memorization, and performance. I encourage my students to play chamber music, which is both educational and fun. And I focus on high-level interpretation from the very first lesson.
Background Info
Education
I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the South African School of Music at the University of Cape Town, a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, and a Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. And I have state certification from the Michigan Music Teachers Association as well as national certification from the Music Teachers National Association.
Biography
Growing up, I studied with Adolph Hallis, who taught Anton Nel. Lamar Crowson of the Melos Ensemble, the teacher of Stephen de Groote, taught me when I was an undergraduate at the South African School of Music at the University of Cape Town. Artur Balsam, the teacher of Murray Perrahia, was my professor while I was a master of music student at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. And I studied with Menahem Pressler, the acclaimed pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio, as a doctoral student at Indiana University in Bloomington.
