I help people unlock their technique so they can effortlessly play the pieces they love — telling their story, and healing themselves and others.

The above statement has come out of my journey to discover my deeper why I teach. I have been writing stories of my life. Stories of things that have happened, that have shaped, or changed the trajectory of my life. Stories of people I admire, or who have impacted me in a significant way.

This has been a rewarding and grounding experience. I am finding my voice. I am finding the words to articulate the things I have felt, and still feel deep inside me, that until now I haven’t been able to put into words.

I love teaching. I love music. I love when I see the ah-ha moment for a student!

I started piano lessons when I was eight. My piano teacher lived up the street from us and I remember walking to my lessons. I remember the lyrics to the first song I learned. “Here we go. Up a hill. To a birthday party.” I can still see the notes on the page and the art work.

I remember that I wanted to learn piano, but I hated practicing. My mom had to make me practice. However, when I got into the 10th grade I found I enjoyed playing and practicing. And that enjoyment continued to grow until I graduated from High School and seriously considered going on in Piano in college, but changed my mind, and went a different direction. I stopped playing the piano for three years.

When I was a junior in college I rediscovered my love of music and piano, and changed my Major. Then, I practiced as much as I could because I loved it. (In fact I practiced so much that I drove the people who heard me crazy!)

Piano music transcends words! This was a revelation to me. I found I can express from my heart, from the deepest part of myself, without revealing anything private. And yet, people enjoy and seem to be moved by hearing my music.

This process, the self discovery as I practice, and the playing for others, seems to pull together something inside me that gets fragmented, and makes it whole. I have a passion for this, and want to help others do the same thing.

This is why I teach.

What motivates you to teach music? I would love to start a conversation with you. Please feel free to share your story in the Comments below.