Feel free to browse my site, but know that I do not have any current openings. My wait list has eight people as of mid-February, so anyone who wants to be added to the list can know almost certainly that there would not be a slot before fall 2012. Don’t be discouraged by a wait list, however. Sometimes people on the list decide to find another teacher. Sometimes people at the top of the list can’t fit into an opening, and so I have to move further down the list. May/June are months when children or busy adults tend to quit piano (especially right after the end-of-school year recital). I anticipate my list to move a bit in late spring. And if you think that fall or beyond would be a perfect time to begin piano, contact me and I’ll put you on the list!

My deep thanks to the students who participated in the marathon at Barnes and Noble to benefit WaterAccessNow to help build a well in Ghana. Little fingers danced and wrists floated! Music is universal, but also a privilege; to share talent for the good of others is a blessing. Next event—the NDSMTA recitals at Gore Hall, followed by a well-earned Christmas break. Then onto Theory Festival preparations! I’m hoping some of my adult students will press themselves to enter.: ) Happy practicing!

Today I’m attending the Delaware State Music Teachers Association convention at the University of Delaware. Each year a bunch of dedicated teachers from around the state gather to listen to an expert in the field. This year, Dr. Helen Marlais is presenting two sessions—one specifically for beginning foundations in students and another as an intermediate master class. Additionally, we have a General meeting for DSMTA and an honors recital for students who have excelled in performing in a previous festival or competition. Why do I tell you all this? Well, this is precisely the kind of activity your teacher should be doing on a regular basis. Professional development is key to teacher improvement. Sadly, teachers can get stagnant in their teaching, doing the same thing over and over without considering if they can do it better. These conferences give fresh ideas and rejuvenation. Students are not all the same—teaching needs to be adjustable and open to change. If you are looking for a music teacher, ask about what he does for professional development. A teacher who is involved in the music community won’t hesitate to answer.

The new studio is officially in the Oaklands neighborhood. Google Places may still show me in Greenbridge, but I’m just west of the university now. Feel free to email for the exact address. The maps should update within a few days.

To all who are browsing my site thinking you’d like to take lessons with me, know that my studio is moving to the western side of Newark, DE, basically about half a mile west of Main St. and South College Rd. I’ve needed more space for teaching, and the new house gives me that, and more. Lessons will be a the new location for August 1.