How’d you get started playing your instrument?

My mom made me start lessons when I was 7. Admittedly it was not a self-motivated desire to start playing the piano but I became hooked instantly. I loved the challenge in reading music, using my brain and moving my fingers. I still can’t shake that desire; precision and technique are a never-ending process.

How’d you get started teaching?

When I first studied theory extensively during my first semester of college, I found it to be surprisingly difficult. I knew I was a musician but for some reason had a hard time conceptualizing the theory. I soon realized that the only way I would ‘break on through to the other side’ was if I found help. I befriended two ‘study buddies’ who essentially saved me. They were so kind and patient, always did their homework with me, helped me whenever I needed, and honestly dedicated way too much of their time to my success. I promised myself after that first semester that I was forever in debt to the music gods and began to offer free tutoring in the UAA Music Department. After tutoring for several years, I saw a flyer for Hillside Music and decided to take it to the next level.

Who’s your favorite artist & why?

I don’t have a favourite artist because I simply listen to too much music and too many different types. When it comes to classical, I admire Stravinsky quite a bit; “The Rite of Spring” blew my mind away the first time I heard it and it still does. When it comes to pop, the Beatles will always have my heart; I was deeply affected by my parents divorce and, after listening to the White Album in its entirety, found strength and solace and in someway my identity. I relate quite a bit to film scores and am hugely inspired by Bernard Herrmann; he scored almost all of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, who is my favourite director.

What’s your favorite music to exercise to?

Anything with a lot of bass. Electronic music for sure. My ‘power’ song for long runs is Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”, it gets me moving every time and is always nice to hear at mile 4 or 5.

When you’re home alone with your instrument, what music do you love to play?

I play a synth keyboard in my husband’s band, so that takes care of my need for a ‘rockstar’ outlet. I usually end my personal practice with improvisation, just playing anything that sounds good in the moment. Most of what I create ends up sounding like really dramatic film scores [I absolutely love cinema and the function of music in film]. All that said, I primarily practice classical, metronome and all. There is something very sacred to me in classical music and the art of interpreting what someone else wrote hundreds of years ago. I find the most sense of accomplishment when I have mastered a classical piece, even more so than writing my own music.

What do you love about teaching at Hillside Music?

Hillside Music is the birthplace of my teaching career and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart. David McCormick will forever be a pivotal character in my life because he took a chance with me and believed in my success. I have always appreciated the sophisticated atmosphere at Hillside, and that it is not pretentious or patronizing. Every teacher at Hillside has their own unique style and sincerely wants each and every student to succeed at their own pace.. I assure you that you wont find another music studio in Anchorage that can offer such adaptability.