• B.A. in Music
  Trenton State College
• Extensive Graduate Studies in Musicology
  Trenton State College

In my career, I have taught students of all ages and levels of experience. Focusing primarily on individual instruction, I work with each student to maximize his or her unique musical abilities.

Each individual possesses a unique aptitude for musical performance that must be addressed with a special, singular focus as per his or her musical strengths and weaknesses. This requires that each student be taught in a personalized way. I consider it imperative that all of my students learn to read music. No standard educational "cookie-cutter" system will successfully bring about desired results. Accordingly, I arrange much of what my students perform. In conjunction with this, I use several well-proven, cornerstone methods rather than the tedious, traditional single method book approach. I choose the pieces to be learned eclectically to satisfy the students' needs. This combination of written music and material chosen from several methods maximizes motivation and interest. Also, parental involvement is consistently and enthusiastically encouraged to ensure achievement.

Recitals are held at the Moorestown Community House, Moorestown, NJ in early May, August, and December. The primary educational emphasis of these recitals is not performance perfection, but rather, the exposure to sharing students' talents and skills in front of a supportive group. The casual atmosphere, which is intentionally promoted, is key to the importance of accentuating the insignificance of making mistakes, while the learning experience of performing in front of an audience is maximized. Such endeavors translate to the development of skills that relate to audiences in general, whether for music, speeches, or large groups for school, business, or industry.

These recitals also provide a forum for students to be exposed to other students' efforts, thus stimulating interest in expansion of their repertoires.

Every student has his or her own preferences in music. While the fundamentals of music are always stressed, personal choices of all students are used in selecting pieces for lessons and performance.

A diverse array of musical styles including classical, jazz, worship music, gospel, rock, country, show tunes, and popular are available for my students.

Many of our musical masters started at the age of three. While most music teachers refuse to accept such young students, I welcome them. I have developed a very successful technique for teaching students between the ages of three and six.

Older students may think it is too late for them to learn. My experience has been to the contrary. Older students have consistently demonstrated that they can thoroughly enjoy and progress in the musical learning process.

I specialize in teaching home-schooled students. This is one of my personal ministries where praise and worship music are incorporated as an integral part of the teaching recipe. I have been providing this special, home-based education for over three years and have these students perform for others in various settings including nursing homes, church assemblies, and praise nights. In addition to instrumental instruction, music theory, arranging, and composition are also taught.