about miss megan
I grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. My house was always filled with music of my mother’s youth, the 1960s and 1970s; this was my first inspiration to make music myself. This era of music has remained my personal favorite ever since. Interestingly enough, I ended up becoming much more a classically trained pianist, but popular music has always held a strong presence in my life. I began playing piano at age seven, and decided to major in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Minnesota at Duluth. I began taking piano students privately during my time in Duluth, and have been teaching ever since. I graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and pedagogy, as well as a minor in German studies.
What would you do after graduating from college in northern Minnesota? Move to the desert of course! I relocated to Las Vegas in 2007 where I was lucky enough to work full time as a piano teacher and a choir accompanist in the school district. I really enjoyed my time in Nevada, but I always knew I wanted to go to graduate school; this desire landed me in Boulder, Colorado. I earned a Master of Music from CU in piano performance and pedagogy in 2011. After graduating I enjoyed another two years in beautiful Boulder working as a private piano teacher before I got the school itch again…
My next academic venture took place in Liverpool, England where I earned a Master of Arts in the study of the Beatles, Popular Music and Society. My time in Liverpool significantly changed my outlook on music; more than ever I believe popular music is ultimately what attracts people to the idea of learning an instrument. As a music educator, I believe a balance between classical technique, music theory and motivating students through playing the music they love is extremely important. I strive to maintain this balance with each of my students by staying in touch with their goals and doing whatever I can to help achieve them. Studying piano develops confidence, self-discipline and a means of expression; but most of all it is a skill that brings a lifetime of enjoyment, which is what I want most for my all my students.
As a piano teacher I believe my number one priority is to help the student reach their goals, which we will set together. I will work to motivate my students as best as I can to reach these goals, changing my approach to suit each student’s learning style along the way and always listen if the student [or parent] wants to discuss anything that might not be working. I will not only be prepared specifically for each of my student’s lessons, but I will continue to develop myself professionally as an individual and through my active membership of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as well as Northeast Denver Music Teachers.