Piano Lessons in Houston, TX

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I don't know where it came from. I am the only one in my family to learn music or even sing. However since I have been around my younger family members I have taught them music. So now my children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces are all musicians.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I keep picking up new instruments and try to figure them out. It helps that once you know how to read music it is easier to pick up new instruments.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
My family owns a tax and accounting business. Through the years I have worked there off and on. I guess that would have been my job if not for music. However since I have been singing since I can remember it is my history and my love.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I have always loved classical music. However lately I have been drawn to New Age Music. I started loving it after hearing David Lanz's music. His music is amazing!

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to play Clair De Lune smoothly and quickly. I can now play it however it is slowly. I have been working on increasing the speed. It is getting better and better. The reason I love it is because of the way it makes me feel.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I chose a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I wanted to teach a variety of instruments and techniques. I also wanted to teach a variety of ages.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal pattern is to start the lesson reviewing the previous songs. Then we go over new songs. Then we finish up by practicing scales. I also ask if they would like to learn any new songs they have heard.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
These are the books and methods I use: Piano: The Mayron Cole Piano Method (all levels) Guitar: Hal Leonard Guitar Method (teens - adults) Hal Leonard Classical Guitar Method Kids Guitar Course/Alfred Publishing (children) Progressive Lead Guitar (all levels) Aaron Shearer “Classic Guitar Technique” (all levels) Voice: Ms. Fullerton’s method for voice lessons (all levels)

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing for me is to memorize pieces. I encourage my students to memorize. I teach them the tools necessary to do so. Memorizing usually comes easier for them than me.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes many of my students have received awards for performing. One former student played the lead role in "The Little Prince" performed at the Wortham Theater in Houston. I have several former students who are now music teachers. Two of my former students created a gospel group that toured the world. Once of my former students is the music editor at the House of Blues.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud of my Bachelor of Music Education degree. I am also proud of my Certifications in Piano and Voice methods. I am proud of learning instruments on my own.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Singing has always been my main instrument. My parents said I sang before I could talk. I have always sang and learned the guitar and piano to accompany my singing.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes I had a choir teacher who showed such a love for music and for teaching that I wanted to do the same with other students. I wanted to show the love I felt for music to others of all ages.

When will I start to see results?
Results will be seen right away. The question is what kind of results? Everyone has a different opinions about what results they want. Each student will set their own limit on which results they want or expect.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
When parents ask me if a young child is ready for lessons or not I tell them this. if the child can play a board game and remember when it is their turn then they are able to focus enough for lessons. Little ones must know the letters A-B-C-D-E-F-G and the numbers 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. For older students they are ready for lessons when they are interested in the instrument.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Whatever you repeat you get good at. I tell my students that if they repeat not practicing they will get very good at it. If they repeat practicing daily they will get very good at it. Practicing has to become a habit for it to be successful,

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I have been performing as long as I can remember. I sang for the church A cappella at the age of 4. So being a musician just came natural to me.

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