With music programs being eliminated from many school's education, I feel it is even more important than ever for children, off all ages, to participate in some form of musical experience. Being a piano teacher for over twenty five years, I have seen many benefits for those taking music lessons. Some of these benefits are building self esteem and confidence, learning to focus, developing mental discipline, overcoming the fear of getting up in front of crowds, not to mention being able to play songs that we enjoy.

My philosophy of music is that you don't have to be an expert to be able to enjoy playing an instrument. It is not that difficult to learn to play piano or guitar; it just takes a little time and effort. I believe that practicing doesn't have to be hours a day either, unless you want to be a concert pianist or guitarist, but you can accomplish a lot with 15 to 30 minutes of practice each day. There is time to fit music in with many other activities that we...

I was born into a long line of musicians on my mother’s side.

In particular, my Grandfather was a performing musician in the Houston area for many years, and he frequently brought my Mother and her two sisters with him, where they would sing back-up with the band. This gave my Mother a love for music that she passed on to my brother and sister and myself.

I began playing guitar in earnest when I was 18 and studied locally with professional guitarists Richard Greene and Eric Blackmore. I played for several years in the local band Names Withheld and enjoyed performing in various clubs and venues around Colorado Springs. During that time I also gained valuable recording experience and began writing my own songs.

I love all kinds of music, and enjoy learning as much as possible about every type of music out there, from straight rock & roll and blues, to jazz, country, pop, and oldies.

I believe in an enthusiastic approach to music and look forward to passing my...

Educator, Creative Arts Specialist, Consultant, and Dynamic Instructor. Master's Degree in Music and Education. Over 30 years teaching experience with all ages K-Adult. Passion and love for teaching and working with students. Believe learning should include having fun!

Studies have shown that children who take piano lessons get better grades in school. Likewise, it helps to keeps older people's minds sharp. As children approach their teen years and up into adulthood, it gives them great pleasure to play songs that they enjoy listening to and now are able to play on the piano themselves, while often singing along. Playing piano offers a great source of stress release, relaxation and joy.

Playing piano helps to improve coordination in that each hand develops coordination independent of the other. Each hand has completely different movements to perform at the same time and this stimulates the brain. This is just one of the benefits of learning to play piano.

It improves the motor skills as well as memory.

Children are always delighted in their success when they achieve in learning a new song. This in turn helps them to develop good self-esteem. When they perform for other people it gives them a sense of accomplishment that nothing else...