I received my bachelor of science degree in education from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. I was an instrumental music major... principle instrument was piano. I studied with Dr. Janeen Larsen at the university and later studied for 2 years with Karen Ross who was a student of Bela Siki. Both Dr. Larsen and Ms. Ross were students of former students of Franz Liszt.
I have operated a home piano studio for 5 years in South Dakota. I also was music specialist for St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic school. I had about 30 students in my studio. Students attended local music competitions and received superior ratings.
I am in the process of building a studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a teacher, I focus heavily on music theory and improvisation. I have students who work on composition as well. I also insist that my students learn classical repertoire including the Bach inventions and Clementi Sonatinas. All of my advanced students are required to memorize a complete Sonata. I also work with students on scales, arpeggios and the Hanon exercises.
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