I have been instilling the love of music in children for over 30 years.
I received my Bachelor of Music degree from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts degree in voice, vocal pedagogy and music theater from Texas Woman’s University. I have trained in Suzuki Piano and Traditional Piano and combine the best of the pedagogy and philosophy in my teaching.
In 1990 and 1995, I traveled to Vantaa, Finland and observed Paivi Kukkamaki (International Suzuki Association founder of “Singing in the Suzuki Style”). I received a Certificate of Observation and Study of the Suzuki Method and Philosophy at the Talent Education Institute of Singing. Although many music teachers from around the world have received this certification, I am the first from North America with this distinction.
I have also studied the “Alexander Technique of Body Alignment” (a process of movement which teaches how to release unneeded tension in the body for performance) and I am a certified early childhood music and movement education specialist.
I have spoken at national and region conferences addressing the subject, “Enabling the Singing Voices of Children and Youth to Develop Naturally.” I have written articles for the American Suzuki Journal and have served on the International Suzuki committee as the singing coordinator.
In 1998, I was inducted into Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Early childhood Music and Movement Association, the American Choral Directors Association, Plano Music Teachers Association and the Grayson County Music Teachers Association.
Along with private lessons, I have directed choirs for Sherman Musical Arts for 25 years, and was the founder and Artistic Director for the Children’s Chorus of Greater North Texas for 13 years.