About me

Your music journey begins here

 

I started taking piano lessons at age 6 and have not stopped learning since! I absolutely love teaching and watching my students grow and appreciate music! I’ve been teaching beginning through advanced students for over 12 years, and been trained in piano pedagogy. (Pedagogy: The method and practice of teaching. :))

 

In teaching, I love to customize lessons to fit individual learning styles, and to meet the specific needs and goals of each student. One of my core principles is to evaluate my techniques and methods and adjust accordingly to be most effective in teaching and to help my students succeed. This approach to teaching has enabled many of my students to win school competitions and perform in talent shows. I encourage each student to develop these skills for their own enjoyment and for playing in their community!

“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

Psalm 118:14

 

Qualifications

My teaching qualifications come from the unique learning opportunities I’ve had and from the variety of instructors I’ve studied under. Some of which include:

  • Pedagogy classes and coaching with Jane Baldridge, B.A in Music Education, NCTM, Certified Piano Instructor
  • Private piano lessons and composition techniques with Scott Mayer, M.A. in Choral Conducting, 
  • Private and group lessons with Donna Shinn, Music Instructor and church pianist
  • Private piano and theory lessons with Erin Anders, and others. 

In addition to piano pedagogy, I have also studied a wide variety of musical techniques including orchestrating/composing over two dozen scores for community orchestras and ensembles, organ performance at Naper Settlement, studying music theory and composition under Dean Kincaid, and studying vocal techniques under an operatic instructor.

In case you can’t tell, 
I love music and am thrilled to spend time passing that love on to others

Some Fun Facts About Me: when I’m not teaching or studying music, you can find me writing & editing, laughing with friends, testing software, counseling and mentoring younger girls, trying a new healthy recipe, or hiking mountains.

“I really enjoy watching my 6yo learn piano from Katie. She is so patient and kind. She is not strict (as some piano teachers tend to be) and instead uses encouragement to get my daughter to grow. We really enjoyed how she put together a low pressure recital. My very shy daughter was able to get up and play in front of a crowd after only playing for 5 months. I have recently started working with her myself and she’s very fun to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.”

– Allyson, parent of student

“I really enjoy watching my 6yo learn piano from Katie. She is so patient and kind. She is not strict (as some piano teachers tend to be) and instead uses encouragement to get my daughter to grow. We really enjoyed how she put together a low pressure recital. My very shy daughter was able to get up and play in front of a crowd after only playing for 5 months. I have recently started working with her myself and she’s very fun to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.”

– Allyson, parent of student

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