I'm gearing up for a wonderful year of piano but taking a little time off during the summer.  

Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying my dear friend, Zuly Mitchell, in a morning concert at St. Mark in Pensacola, FL.  She highlighted music from her Venezuelan background as well as other Spanish composers.  I particularly liked the Siete canciones ​populares espanolas by Manuel de Falla we performed!  We had a wonderful turn out and a large donation was collected for Safe Harbor. 

Fall Lessons begin the week of August 27, 2018!  We just finished up the 2nd round of summer lessons.  My afternoons are just about packed for the Fall, but I do have a few spaces left in the mornings. I'm excited to be adding some new students and look forward to seeing my returning students!

One of my favorite things to do for my studio is to start choosing repertoire.  Finding the right pieces for each student, and watching their progress is certainly a highlight!

I've added a couple different options for missed lessons this year.  It will be an experiment for me working with technology, and for my students, to see if they will watch what I send them!

Another thing I'm looking forward to is attending the Florida State Music Conference this October in Miami.  I'll be performing in the Teacher's Recital and representing District 1, a four county area. 

More to come...

The 2018 Music Teacher's National Association National Conference was fantastic this year!  The conference was held this year in Orlando and was a wonderful time to network and reconnect with friends across the country. My two sons and parents came with me to Disney and they enjoyed several extra days at the parks!

Welcome to my page!  It has been a sizzling summer of lessons with a cool short break coming up!    I'm planning a very exciting year that includes Baroque Bash and Festival, Christmas "Drop-In," Sonata Contest and group lessons to focus on performance.  For my adult students, get ready to have fun in a low-stress free playing environment with The Crescendos!

If you are looking for lessons for your child or yourself, please take a look around around my site and contact me!  I would be happy to discuss any questions you may have!

The Baroque Festival was an absolute success this year!  The Pensacola Music Teachers Association had over 70 participants.  We had planned for two recitals, but because of the positive response, we increased to three recitals!  I had some different ideas to add to the Festival so I agreed to be the chairman for the event.  I wanted my own students to experience the Baroque period in a more tangible atmosphere.

Over the past year, I have been greatly influenced by Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series which unravels the tale of a WWII combat nurse who travels back in time to Scotland in 1743.  So I thought why can't we have time travelers visit us from the Baroque period?! Oh and we HAVE to have a harpsichord and dance the minuet!  Having all of these ideas in my head since last year, I really wasn't sure how to implement them in my piano studio.  Then I came across Leila Viss'  wonderful blog www.88pianokeys.me   Leila has everything laid out systematically and video examples to match.   My studio is continuing the Baroque unit into January and enjoying it.  I only wish more of my own students had attended the Festival.  Getting to play a harpsichord is a real treat.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Mia absolutely LOVED the harpsichord! Her precious face epitomizes the joy I have for music making and teaching!

The University of West Florida Music Teachers Association graciously helped us with making wigs out of empty toilet paper rolls!  The wigs became more elaborate throughout the afternoon!  My husband, Chris, and PMTA member, Ed Varela, spray painted the rolls the day before.

Lady Darcy and Elizabeth de la Guerre pose for the camera.

Now, no Baroque Festival is complete without a king!  Bill Dollarhide poses as King Louis XIV and graciously dressed in a full costume, designed and sewed just for him!

Lessons begin Tuesday, September 8!  I can't wait to see you all and get started on some new music!!!  I'm bringing back the 30 Piece Challenge and just wait what's in store the Baroque Festival this year!!  My piano studio is "Goin' Baroque" and I will be posting information through my piano teacher friend, Leila Viss.  She has some wonderful videos and activities that will help us while we are Baroque!  Please set aside Saturday, November 14, 2015 for the Baroque Festival.  I'm even making my own dress for the event as clothing from the 1700's is not widely available. 

I will be taking some time off this summer from lessons.  Already this month, I have been to Gainesville and Tampa.  I'm looking forward to flying up to Connecticut this weekend.  On
Wednesday, July 1@ 6PM the church choir and orchestra will be presenting a Patriotic Concert at Olive Baptist in Pensacola.  One of the pieces we are doing was performed at President Obama's inauguration. It is a beautiful (and difficult) piece!  Come at 5PM for BBQ! 

I hope your summer is going great!