There are many stages to getting students ready for a recital. When its a Christmas recital, planning starts long before the decorations ever go up. I have made it a point to make sure they have the opportunity to perform in "non-recital" type venues. Pianists are more likely to perform for parties, shopping/retail areas, restaurants, churches, and nursing homes.  I am excited that this year we are having a "Destination Recital" at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Spanish Fort, Alabama, Saturday, December 20th, 2025 @ 2:00PM. 

A year and a half ago, I noticed there were several cats in my neighborhood, and I began setting out food for them. The neighbors referred to him as "Scar." I was becoming more infatuated with this particular cat day-by-day. I'm a dog person. We never had cats growing up. I never wanted a cat until he wondered into my heart. My next-door neighbor, Ashley and I, went in together to get him neutered and shots.  I bought him a cat house that is on my porch. I renamed him "Scarbo"  after a very difficult piano piece by Maurice Ravel and he is now, "Scarbo, the Piano Cat," because he always has his tuxedo on, ready to perform! My piano students, and quite a few of my piano parents LOVE him too! 

I can't wait to go hear these young people perform next weekend!   

Summer will be here very soon!  The Disney Piano Camp is June 12-16, 2023, from 9:30AM to 11:00AM.  
Fun, learning atmosphere
Games that enhance musical skills and knowledge
Musical activities that build confidence and motivation
Like having 2 months worth of piano lessons in 5 days
Students' choice of music
Musical performance for family on the last day of camp

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...