About Me

A bit about me and music:

I first saw the clarinet at age 6 when I saw Benny Goodman on T.V. I wanted to play it badly and held on to that wish until grade 7 when I began to play in the first band at my elementary school in South Burnaby.

Throughout high school I played in school bands, the Burnaby Community Band and the New Westminster Community Band. With the N. W. Band I travelled extensively across Canada and through the north on two separate trips. I was also part of winning the first province-wide community band competition. I even played for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles!  I was really lucky to play in the NW Band at that time  it was a very vibrant and ambitious organization. I was also lucky to have the support and encouragement, both in high school and the NW Community band,  of one of the best band directors ever, Kerry Turner.

After high school I went into the work force doing several different jobs, never forgetting my wish to pursue the study of the clarinet.  When I was 30 years old I auditioned for UBC Music School, and finally realized my dream of studying clarinet and music. I received my B. Mus. in 1989.  I was lucky to study with several professional and wonderful clarinetists: Lori Freedman, Gene Ramsbottom, Joseph Orlowoski and have take a few lessons with Wes Foster and Cris Inguanti of the VSO.

In 1989, I opened my own home music studio and, until my son Bryn was born in 1995, I enjoyed a large clarinet teaching practice. Because of my musical experience crossing various ages and stages in life I am able to relate well to and enjoy all ages and levels. I worked hard for the technique I have which means I have a major strength in breaking the playing of the clarinet into teachable bits and solving problems that arise.

At the same time, I took almost  a year of credits of Orff and Kodaly and began to teach Orff/Kodaly to children from 2 yrs. of age to grade 6. I gave up teaching Orff music classes, which I enjoyed very much for 22 years, in 2011.

In 1990, I began playing with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, a very good amateur orchestra in Vancouver. This continues to be my major passion along with teaching. VPO has grown into a very fine orchestra indeed. Occasionally I play professionally in gig orchestras throughout B.C. I have also produced and played extensively in chamber groups.

In 2010 I decided I wanted to begin to extensively teach again. I love to teach all ages, and have enjoyed students at all levels, with many motivations. For those who are ambitious, I have had  3 students finish Gr. 4 RCM with honours,  1 finish Gr. 6 RCM, 1 student receive honourable mention in a concerto competition – he also won a competitive scholarship competition. Currently 2 are working on Gr. 6 RCM and 1 on a Gr. 9 Kiwanis performance class. My aim is that all my students enjoy playing music and the clarinet in the way that suits them best. Students come from all over the Lower Mainland, even as far as Maple Ridge and Coquitlam. As well, I teach at a Korean Music School in Surrey.

I  have passionate interests in photography, interior design, gardening, cooking (when I feel like it ;-) ) and travelling.

I share my home, where my studio resides, with my husband Brian and my son, Bryn, who is thriving at Capilano U in the Motion Picture Arts Program.

I am looking forward to meeting YOU! I’ll bring my enthusiasm and interest and you bring yours!!