About me
I guide adult amateur pianists who are ambitious to realize their musical potential in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
The piano was my first love. I have been playing the piano every day since I was seven years old, and I do not regret one minute I spent on the keyboard.
No one had to push me to practice—I couldn't wait to get home from school and dive into the keyboard. My progress increased rapidly, and by the time I was 16, I made my debut playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto in C minor in La Jolla’s Sherwood Hall with the San Diego Symphony.
I was raised in Southern California, where I was fortunate to be a student of Dr. Grace Volkman, a student of the venerable pianist Artur Schnabel. Her no-nonsense approach to musicianship and technique made my advanced study possible.
Study & Degrees
A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, I have performed hundreds of times and taught hundreds of piano students for over thirty-five years. To prepare for my Bachelor's degree at the Manhattan School of Music, I studied with Florence Stephenson, a renowned chamber music specialist at the University of Southern California, who studied with Tobias Matthay. I also studied with Robert Harvey, a concert pianist and student of the legendary Rosina Lhevinne, who passed Lhevinne’s methods on to me. I then studied privately with Adele Marcus of the Juilliard School before completing my Master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where I won the Pennington International Competition, was awarded the Ceravalo Prize for excellence in the performance of J.S. Bach, and performed in masterclasses with John Browning and Earl Wild.
I began teaching at the age of 13. Here I am instructing Jackie, one of my first students. From the very beginning, I have been supportive of students and dedicated to helping them develop their ability to read music, build technique, and appreciate the expressive qualities of music. These are the skills I gratefully received from my truly excellent teachers.
Complete Musician
A full-time working musician, I am a piano soloist, accompanist, teacher, writer, organist, and choral conductor. My additional studies with the internationally renowned concert organist Walter Baker gave me a mastery of the pipe organ technique and repertoire. I also studied conducting with Thomas Schippers of the Metropolitan Opera. However, even with my varied musical education and experience, I have always maintained the piano as the central focus of my musical development.
In addition to my work as a pianist and teacher, I have previously been Director of Music at St. James Episcopal Church at Fordham University. As an advocate for social justice, I founded the Ebony Choir in Harlem. The increasing requests from prospective students for Sunday lessons persuaded me to relinquish choral conducting positions in favor of teaching.
I have a passion for teaching, and I draw upon over thirty-five years of experience in performing and teaching as I focus on mentoring fellow musicians seeking guidance.
My students are a diverse group. Some are experienced musicians seeking advice on technical issues and new interpretation perspectives. Others are dedicated amateurs eager to develop their pianistic skills for artistic fulfillment and personal growth.
Contact me to discuss your interest in developing a relationship with music. I look forward to talking with you.