I combine my clinical counseling experience with my professional music training to create a unique ability to hone in on what my students truly need: A good teacher has to build trust and rapport with students. Real learning occurs within the context of a secure relationship that provides opportunity for openness to experience.

I have my Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. I have years of clinical experience working with children, high-risk adolescents, their families, as well as adult clients. Thus, I have the rare and valuable asset of being able to carefully adapt therapeutic techniques such as:

• Attunement

• Positive reinforcement

• Gentle challenge

• Working with resistance

• Regulating uncomfortable emotions (such as frustration or fear of failure)

• Interventions that promote appropriate behavior choices

• Emphasis on accountability and responsibility

• Knowledge of developmental tasks appropriate for each age

• Firm, yet warm and caring method of instruction

• Building rapport and a strong, trusting relationship

Students need to feel a sense of connection with me as their teacher, and as a positive adult role model. They should feel safe, cared for, and secure that I believe in their ability to grow, both as individuals and as pianists.