I began studying the piano at the age of 6 and studied with many different teachers throughout the years. The teachers that always managed to hold my interest were the ones who offered me a wide variety of music to explore. I have modeled my own teaching philosophy around the idea that if the repertoire is exciting, practice is less of a chore, and students progress faster.

At the age of 12, I got my first paying "gig" playing background music for a fashion show at our local community center. From this point forward I continued to work at private parties, weddings, etc.

My primary teacher, Thelma Scott, encouraged me to start teaching beginning level students at the age of 14. I was a bit skeptical because of my age and inexperience, but took the plunge nonetheless. My business started small but has continued to grow throughout the years along with my experience and understanding of a positive teaching approach.

During my years in college I continued teaching as well as playing publicly. I received my Associates Degree in Music from Orange Coast College in 1999, and then continued my education at California State University, Long Beach, studying with Edith Hirshtal. Although I was enjoying my music education at CSULB, I was looking for an added challenge so I applied to Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, Sweden. I was accepted, and while it was hard to give up my students in California, I wanted the experience of living and studying abroad.

My year in Sweden was fabulous, but I longed to finish my education in the states and continue building my teaching business. After returning from Sweden in 2001, I finished up my Bachelors Degree in Music at CSULB, studying for a year with Mark Uranker.

Since graduating in 2002, I have continued to teach privately, and have developed my own series of lesson books entitled PianoPronto®. Aside from teaching students of all ages, arranging music for developing musicians has become a real passion of mine. It has been rewarding arranging music for my students that is not only educational, but enjoyable to play.