My Goals for this site:
- Inspirational articles for music educators
- Helpful tips for students to let you in on the best secrets about practicing and playing single reed instruments
- To give encouragement for adult students and those curious about music
- To elevate others with music, but Beethoven expresses it best:
“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” – Ludwig van Beethoven
My Philosophy:
I have taught privately for 38 years and in the college classroom for 26 years. And the truest magic I have seen is the power of music.
Music makes a positive impact on everyone’s life, whether you are a professional musician, amateur or someone who just enjoys listening. As a music educator, I see the power and magic of music in my students lives. As a performer I see the transformation to joy in the faces of an audience. As a human, I believe in the essential importance of music to our innate creativity and expression of the human experience.
My Experience:
In my private studio I teach saxophone, clarinet and flute, with a side of tin whistle and recorder. My students range in age from youngsters to seniors and in experience from beginners to pre-professionals. I find my most important teaching is what I do in my private studio. I have experienced excellent retention with my private students and have seen them go to the colleges of their choice with music as a strong part of their life or even their primary focus. Many of my clarinet, saxophone and flute students have found themselves in District, Regional and State Band, which is because they have learned to practice well.
I also serve as an adjunct professor of music at York College of Pennsylvania. Currently I teach Saxophone Lessons, Woodwind Methods, Listening to Music and Exploring Music in Film. I am surrounded by some fantastic musicians and teachers! I plan to feature an interview series with some of the amazing musicians and teachers I know. During the summers of 2010-2013 I served as Administrative Director of the YCP Summer Music Experience. Not only did I learn about administration and organization, but I also observed some inspiring sessions, which I want to share with you on this site as well.
My Formal Education:
- Bachelor of Music Education, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA
- Master of Music Performance, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Doctoral Studies (ABD, alas) Saxophone, Jazz, Music History, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- Berklee School of Music, Online film course
Personal:
I love music and enjoy performing. I play clarinet, saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor), flute, guitar (acoustic/electric), Yamaha WX5, Akai EWI and just enough theremin to have fun! I enjoy reading (look for some book reviews on the site) and beading is a serious hobby. My husband and I live outside of Middletown, PA with our two cats, Bean and Punky.
What’s Next?
I hope you will subscribe to the newsletter or make return visits to my site! That would be awesome! Most importantly, keep music in your heart!