welcome and hello!

I'm so glad you're here! I am a classical pianist, composer and teacher in beautiful, mountainous Boise, Idaho. I moved out west to Boise in 2017 after living in the midwest most of my life - Chicago suburbs, Detroit and Ann Arbor, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa to name a few. I love to play music for special occasions, and have operated my own private piano studio in many different locations since 2009. I also love being an active part of worship services as a keyboardist - it's a thrill for me to work with a band and a production team as well as design unique atmospheric sounds and patches for every important moment.

I am in the middle of writing my first album of original piano music, and I am excited to share the process with you! It is definitely a challenge to carve out time for writing in the midst of teaching private students, as well as taking care of my three kids, but where there is a will, there's a way! If you follow me on instagram, I'm sure you've seen my littles - Peter is almost 9, Zoe is 5 and Eliot is 4. They sure do keep me busy, but I love my family of five!

My sound has been described as prog meets melody meets minimalism - I have drawn much inspiration from my musical heroes in progressive rock and metal [Dream Theater, Jordan Rudess, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Steven Wilson, Symphony X] as well as contemporary classical composers [Philip Glass, Olafur Arnalds, Ludovico Einaudi]. I am pretty sure that I think in mixed meters and long song formats. I always loved guitar solos growing up, and in high school I thought classic rock was my jam until I was introduced to Dream Theater and it changed my life. My first concert was a four hour Dream Theater show without an opening act, and to this day I am highly picky about concert experiences, and too critical of opening acts! I have continued to be so inspired by musicians like John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy, Steven Wilson and many others, who push such high levels of musicianship and technicality while enhancing their music with atmosphere and storytelling that completely sweeps you up in the moment. I used to think that amazing ridiculously fast solos could only be accomplished by guitarists, and Jordan Ruddess breaks all of that with the most inspiring licks and melodies on the keys that'll stop you in your tracks - he never stops inspiring me, and I feel so grateful I got to meet him this past spring.

There are few things more meaningful than getting to meet your heroes.

Far greater than my musical heroes, my highest inspiration in this life and in my music comes from my faith in Jesus. I have experienced such a deep knowledge of Him, and have seen Him work and speak to me in more personal ways than I can describe. I love to share the things He is showing to me - it would be selfish to think that they are all just for me! I can't be the only one who can benefit from the insights He shares with me. The way He equips me for each next step He wants me to take is truly a miracle. I know you can experience the same! And that's also my goal in being part of a worship community who leads on the weekends: to create space and opportunity for others in my city to meet with God, to feel Him move, and have the quiet to hear Him speaking to them directly. It is such an honor that I take so seriously.

Keep an eye out for new posts about all sorts of topics - from keyboard tools and tricks, practicing advice, motivation, teaching resources, faith-based thoughts and updates about my original music, I'm so glad you're here!