Teaching music is my mission in life. I believe that my role in society is that of the musician, part of the oral and written tradition that keeps music alive and growing across history and culture. Teaching what I know, passing on what I have learned about the piano and music is at the core of my identity.

Create excellent foundations from the very beginning. Many people think they only need a high-level teacher if they are advanced piano players themselves. Not true! In fact, I love teaching piano and music skills at all levels, including from the very beginning. Students benefit from knowing their technique will serve them well forever and will not need to “unlearn and relearn” at a later time.

University-level teaching for all students at a fraction of the cost. My education includes two doctorates in music (Piano Performance and Composition) from UC San Diego and a B.Mus. from the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Besides this, I have decades of practical  professional experience as an active concert pianist, professional composer, gigging musician, accompanist, conductor, concert producer, and lecturer. I bring all of this knowledge and wisdom to my students in their lessons.

Compassionate mentorship. I strongly believe that supported, healthy students are what lead to musicians who feel a meaningful connection to the piano and music. Students are encouraged, with my guidance, to do their personal best in reaching their own goals. I also believe that the values of dedication, steady progress, curiosity, beauty, and expressivity that I impart to my students will enrich their lives in every way.

The best of many piano worlds. Every piano is basically the same; every student is unique. With a breadth of knowledge learned from teachers who taught the French, Russian, German, and English schools of piano technique, I am able to help every student learn how to play the piano with a healthy, liberated, robust technique.

Deep connection with the past…and the future. I have extensive experience learning and performing music from many eras and styles: standard classical music, Renaissance and Medieval choral music; historical keyboards like the harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ; popular, Broadway, film music, and video game music styles; jazz; avant-garde and experimental music. I teach my students how to make meaning out of any music in today’s chaotic, interconnected world.

I am an active, innovative performer. I am an active performer who builds bridges between audiences and difficult music through skillful programming and an inviting atmosphere. I believe that my performances keeps what I can teach to my students vital and relevant.

The composer-pianist connection. I combine the rigor and discipline of a concert pianist with the unique insights of a composer. I teach my students to be true co-creators of music alongside Bach, Beethoven, and other composers; this makes piano playing become a truly creative art for my students, rather than one only focused on “perfection.”