Growth and development as an educator

Shaped by experience

Over the course of my career, I have experienced continuous growth as a music educator through a wide range of teaching and leadership roles. As the Director of Music at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jamison, PA over the last 13 years, I have developed and refined my abilities in vocal and instrumental instruction, ensemble direction, and liturgical music leadership. My responsibilities include directing adult and bell choirs, accompanying services on both piano and organ, and leading congregational singing, all of which require adaptability, musicianship, and pedagogical skill.

In addition, my long-term role directing a community chorus at Heritage Creek for the past 22 years has strengthened my rehearsal techniques, communication skills, and ability to work with singers of varying skill levels. Teaching private piano students and serving as a collaborative pianist for musical theatre productions over the past 30 years has further enhanced my skills.

Involvement in the professional community

I have maintained active involvement in the broader music education and performance community throughout my career. My first professional engagement was at the age of twelve, playing piano at Havanas Restaurant, which marked the beginning of my lifelong participation in musical performance settings.

My professional work includes participation in church music leadership, community choral direction, and theatrical performance environments, all of which require collaboration with musicians, directors, and educators. These experiences have consistently placed me within active musical networks that value both artistry and education.

I have also engaged with the broader field of music education through attendance at workshops, performance collaborations, and ongoing professional reading in areas related to choral conducting, keyboard performance, and sacred music leadership. My experience as a performer and accompanist in high-level settings further informs my teaching.

Evolving and deepening philosophy of music education

My philosophy of music education has evolved to emphasize that music is both a skill-based discipline and a deeply human form of expression that fosters connection, discipline, and spiritual enrichment. I believe that every student, regardless of age or ability, has the capacity to grow musically when provided with structured guidance, encouragement, and meaningful performance opportunities.

Through my work in church music, community choruses, and private instruction, I have come to value music as a lifelong pursuit rather than a finite educational goal. I increasingly view my role as a facilitator of musical growth, helping students and ensembles develop technical proficiency while also cultivating emotional expression and artistic understanding. I also believe strongly in the importance of performance as a transformative learning experience that builds confidence, discipline, and community. I hold a piano recital every year in the winter for all of my students to perform for their friends and family and they absolutely have grown because of them. 

A Moment to Remember

I once had a student who was clearly upset about something and was just trying to get through the lesson until he finally broke down crying. He told me he was exhausted of being picked on at school every day. I assured him that life would not always be this way with people. My heart bled for him. Twenty years later, I see that student for the first time since he was in sixth grade and he was towering over me, clearly over six feet tall. I commented to him, saying, "I bet no one's picking on you anymore," and he gave me a huge hug. This was the most rewarding moment and memory of my entire career as a music educator.