“Learning piano with you sparked a love for music I didn’t know I had. You gave me the tools to grow as an artist.”
-- Graduating high school student, who began lessons at age 10
"Studying video game music helped me connect the dots between theory and feeling. I started recognizing patterns, harmonies, and moods, and suddenly, practicing became the best part of my week!"
-- 8 year old student, after two years of lessons
These simple words capture what I love most about teaching - watching students fall in love with music, grow in confidence, and realize their own creative potential. My goal as a teacher is to help every student develop genuine artistry while enjoying the process of learning. Whether it’s mastering a Chopin Nocturne, performing in a competition, or learning a favorite video game theme, I tailor each lesson to the student’s individual strengths, goals, and personality.
I hold both a Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of California, Irvine, where I graduated Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude, and as a Leo Freedman Scholar. I am an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), serving as a competition judge, Certificate of Merit evaluator, and Board Member for my local branch.
Beyond teaching, I am also a performer, having toured internationally with Video Games Live, a concert series that celebrates the artistry of video game music. Currently, I teach class piano and music appreciation at the community college level, and coach musicianship and art song literature for vocalists at the Orange County School of the Arts.
I am deeply grateful for my own mentors: Lorna Griffit, Myong Joo-Lee, Ory Shihor, Valentina Gottlieb, Scott McBride Smith, and Marilyn Shields, whose dedication and artistry continue to shape the way I teach and perform. Their example reminds me that the most meaningful music is not only well-played but deeply felt.
Outside the studio, I’m an avid runner and brand ambassador for rabbit apparel, Garmin, and Honey Stinger. I see running and music as kindred pursuits - both require rhythm, resilience, and heart. I explored this connection in an article published in the California Music Teacher’s Journal (2019), where I wrote about how endurance and artistry intertwine.
At its core, my teaching is about more than piano. It’s about helping students find their voice, their confidence, and their joy through music.
