Easy2Plan

I am a k-8 music teacher and pianist with 23 years of experience teaching in the public schools as well as experience teaching in college and private piano. I hold a Master of Music degree in piano performance. I am also actively involved in church youth music ministry.

I have a very energetic teaching style. I prefer to be in front of my group, leading the students through a variety of very quick paced activities. I love to include technology into all my lessons and I enjoy including lots of movement for all of my learners. I believe that to learn music, one must do it! My lessons incorporate elements of Orff, Kodaly, Improvisation, and a lot of multimedia. "Life is a Song, Love is the Music."

Summa Cum Laude, graduate Frank Henley Piano Competition 2nd place Frank Henley Piano Competition, 1st place University of Louisiana Concerto Competition, 3rd place Gardner Webb Concerto Competition, 1st place Western Carolina Concerto Competition, 1st place Swain County East Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2024-2025 Boyce Deitz Honored Educator Scholarship, 2025-2026

Formal Education North Carolina Teaching Certificate, Western Carolina University May 2004 Master of Music, University of Louisiana, Lafayette. May 2002 Bachelor of Arts in piano performance, Summa Cum Laude Western Carolina University, 2000 High School diploma with a concentration in percussion. North Carolina School of Arts 1995-1996 Private Teachers 2001-2002 Dr. Alexander Dossin, University of Louisiana 2000-2001 Dr. William Chapman Nyaho, University of Louisiana 1996-2000 Dr. Lillian Pearson, Western Carolina University 1995-1996 Dr. Clifton Mathews, North Carolina School of Arts 1992-1995 Ivan Gibby, Bryson City, NC Master classes 2000 Dr. Nellie Ben-Or, London Guildhall Conservatory

I am a married mother of three beautiful children living in rural Western North Carolina. We farm our own food in the summer and I am dedicated to home food preservation. My own children have taught me so much about teaching. My oldest two are academically gifted, and my youngest has severe special needs. They are a constant source of joy and inspiration. The most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus and serving God in any way that I can. I strive to be an example for my children in everything I am and do. I delight in seeing others learn and in sharing the joys that music can bring.