Educational Background and Qualifications:

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Educational:

Graduate of University of Florida, College of Fine Arts,
Bachelor of Music with High Honors,
(Music History & Literature, Piano)
Graduate studies in Piano Pedagogy, Musicology
Workshops in Piano Performance, Pedagogy, and related areas:
Numerous by well recognized artists and pedagogs.

Teaching Experiences:

My first experience in teaching was during high school when I was clarinet and oboe sections leader and assisted the band director by giving private lessons to those woodwind players who needed coaching.

After college I taught piano and organ (electronic) in a large Wurlitzer store's studio and in my home in the West Palm Beach area for several years.

Later I returned to college and, during my last year, served in a graduate assistant role, conducting piano skills classes as part of my degree program.

My students have ranged in ages four to mid-seventies. Tutoring services in piano skills and/or music theory have also been available for college students. Senior citizens are encouraged to take piano lessons for their pleasure as well as therapeutic benefits for those with arthritis or other problems of the hands, coordination, and other physical problems.

Professional Memberships:

MTNA - Music Teachers National Association
FSMTA - Florida State Music Teachers Association
GMTA - Gainesville Music Teachers Association

NGPTA - National Guild of Piano Teachers Association, College of Musicians

FFMC - Florida Federation of Music Clubs (Past member)

Honors & Offices held:

Elected Member: Phi Kappa Phi honor society

Adjudicator, NGPTA

Past-President, GMTA

Past-Adjudicator, Ear-training Examiner, GMTA/FSMTA

McNair Piano Studio, Brief Admission Requirements

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I teach Beginner - Advanced levels in piano performance, music theory, ear-training, and music history and literature. Lessons are based on a Classical background supplemented with contemporary music; each student's lessons are planned to meet the individual's particular needs. Learning to read music is basic.

Younger students should be able to count to ten and recognize numerals and ABC's. Adult students are welcome and encouraged to reap the many benefits they may receive from learning to play and enjoy the piano.

A piano in the student's home is required. An electronic keyboard with full-size weighted keys and standard range (88 keys) is acceptable. Toy pianos are not satisfactory substitutes since they are not standard piano keyboard size and both touch and sound are different and will soon lead to frustration for the student and teacher.

A commitment to a practice schedule is required in order to see progress. No one should expect to learn to play the piano with only minimal time and effort devoted to the instrument. Many parents want their children "exposed to" piano but, due to heavy schedules in other activities, they have no time to practice. This soon results in the students becoming bored and frustrated due to their lack of progress and understanding. Practice time varies with age and level.

Lessons are usually 30 minutes for early levels, and may be forty minutes for those beyond the beginning levels.

McNair Music Studio - Piano

Educational Background and Qualifications:

McNair Piano Studio, Brief Admission Requirements