Just ask my students…. I love to brainstorm new lesson ideas! I teach piano, group piano, pedagogy, and chamber music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. 

I get excited about finding innovative ways to share music with others; ensemble music is especially important to me. I direct a collegiate group of pianists who perform original programs for the community. For example, I co-wrote a murder mystery entitled “Under a Rest” which features favorite classical duets as part of a fully staged theatrical show. I also perform duo music with my friend and colleague Lora Gubanov as the Chiara Piano Duo. We have performed in the U.S. and South Korea. 

I believe music is essential for the development of every child. I am passionate about teaching solid technique and functional skills, while making music lessons enjoyable and fulfilling. I am constantly creating new activities and games to teach concepts, and I love to help other teachers find their niche. For this reason, I am delighted to be part of the CreativePianoTeacher.com team where we hope to bring some of these ideas, resources, and publications to you! 

In my spare time, you can find me hiking, traveling, crafting, brewing up some tea, or reading good books. 

Associate Professor of Music – Messiah University 

D.M.A. University of Oklahoma – Piano Performance & Pedagogy

M.M. University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Piano Performance

B.M. Carson-Newman University

Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), MTNA

Certified in Suzuki Piano, Books 1-4