My parents are both musicians. My mother played the flute in the Orchestra. My father played piano in school, for Church, and in a small band. I am very fortunate that music was a focus in our home.

At age five, I began my journey into music when learning how to play a Magnus Organ. It taught me chords and basic songs. By age seven, I graduated to the 88 keys of a new piano my parents purchased. Listening to and watching my father play was mesmerizing. They asked if I wanted to take lessons and I said yes!

This was a decision that I did not fully understand how it would impact my everyday life as I grew older.

My first classical piano lessons took place in the only music store in town. The teacher and I were in a very tiny room that was just big enough for two pianos. Later, I could study with a private tutor who taught from her living room. Her method was for me to listen to her play and replicate it. Lessons were expensive, but my parents could provide them for ten years.

At the age of eight, I participated in my first piano recital. Having never been in front of so many people, I was very nervous. As I matured, the nervousness went away and was replaced by confidence. My parents were my best allies and worst critics, but they had to listen to me practice seven days a week.

As the school years progressed, I played for the choir (and sang), joined the stage band for five years, and played for friends’ weddings, concerts around town for the holidays, music competitions, and more. Occasionally, I would be asked to sit in for the pianist at Church when she could not be there. My teachers asked if I had considered going to Julliard.

As an adult, I can look back at the time I spent learning the piano, mastering the theory, gaining an appreciation for many composers, and equating many of the values of being a classical pianist to my career. I learned patience, the ability to multi-task, multi-listen, multi-focus, memorization of volumes of data, skill, professionalism, confidence, poise, and more.

Today, my varied technical career and music appreciation afford me the foundation needed while interacting with schools and teachers to bring modern music practice to students.

As your Practicing Musician Sales Representative, I understand the importance of having music in your life. Learn. Listen. Master.