Piano Lessons in Manhattan Beach, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
When I was in highschool, our church pianist had to take a leave of absence to take care of her sick child. There was noone else in the church who was willing to take on the responsibility of playing for the congregation, choir, and ensembles, so I started practicing VERY hard! I enjoyed accompanying very much, and was taught to follow the singers' lead by my father, which has been very helpful over the years. So, when I got to college, I naturally chose to study church music which included private lessons in piano, hymnplaying, and organ.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I love the Rachmaninoff 2nd concerto. My brother played this when I was in high school, and he needed someone to practice the orchestra part. So, we lifted our upright that was in the spare room up on it's end, and wheeled it out to the living room beside our baby grand. We'd sit for hours with him playing the piano part, and me playing the orchestra part, badly! :) But, we had fun, and it would be amazing to perform the piece myself with a live orchestra one day! My brother did perform the first movement with a live orchestra, so he has me beat!

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician, I would probably be sewing bags like my sister in law. My mother is a seamstress, and she taught me how to sew from a very early age. I tried to start a bag business a few years ago, making all kinds of different coloured bags in trendy colours. It was so much fun...the first three bags. After that, I got quite bored, and by the 6th bag I put the fabric away. Every once in a while I get the sewing machine out, and get my fix, only to put it away for another 6 months. But, I taught my sister in law how to make them, and she has little business now, so all was not lost!

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I like to play hymns, and arrange hymns, taking something old, and creating something new and beautiful. I like to take a simple accompaniment, and utilize the silence to create something quiet and peaceful. I enjoy accompanying voice and instrumentalist, and especially enjoy the challenge of following a free musician. After that, I enjoy Mozart and Bach. Mozart is simply relaxing once you have learned the piece. Bach is challenging but rewarding. My teachers told me off for this, but I do enjoy letting my mind drift once I have learned a piece to any and everything.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing the piano when I was 8, but at 10 we were offered instrument classes at school. I wanted to drop the piano and just take flute, but my parents wisely insisted I do both or just piano. So I continuted to take piano and flute through highschool. I loved playing the flute in band and orchestra, and I joined the carolina youth symphony my senior year of highschool, playing the flute and piccolo. We played so much fun music, which required much practice. I considered becoming a performance major, but performing solo was intimidating as a highschooler, and so I chose to do church music instead.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, music does run in my family. My father played the trombone, and sang in choirs for most of his highschool and college years. My brother also played the piano and the trombone and has played with several orchestras. He still plays the piano professionaly in private recitals.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Becoming a professional musician was not something I planned, but really something that just happened. The first student I had was recommended to me by my flute teacher. Then, one by one, people would just ask me if I taught lessons after hearing me play or that I teach. I took a break while my children were small, but as soon as they were able, I started teaching them piano lessons, and then doubled them up with other students for group lessons. Now, as they are older, I teach private lessons to others as well.

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