The first time I touched the keys of a piano, I knew I had discovered a captivating new world to explore. I was 10 years old, young enough to possess the eagerness to learn, yet old enough to understand the value of music and the passion that must go into learning an instrument. I was intrigued; I immediately knew I had found my life’s purpose.

The first time I touched the keys of a piano, I knew I had discovered a captivating new world to explore. I was 10 years old, young enough to possess the eagerness to learn, yet old enough to understand the value of music and the passion that must go into learning an instrument. I was intrigued; I immediately knew I had found my life’s purpose.

Growing up I had a variety of teachers, but never quite found the right mentor for me until I began studying with the late Larry Elliott when I lived in Madison, Wisconsin. I was his student for 7 years, up until the day I moved to California and we were forced to part ways. He was an incredibly accomplished musician and artist who played for the Madison Symphony Orchestra when he was 16 years old. He was able to train me in a way that ignited my passion for music and helped me grow into the musician I am today. I strive to be the mentor to my students that Larry was to me.