About

My Music Journey

I first encountered 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 my elementary school band.

My early experiences as a budding clarinetist included:

• Burnaby and New Westminster Community Bands
• Travel across Canada on 2 separate trips with the New Westminster Community Band
• Performances for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles
• Winning band in the first ever province-wide community band competition

I was blessed to have support and encouragement, both in high school and the NW Community Band, of one of the best band directors ever, Kerry Turner.

Education & Teachers

At 30, I returned to university and in 1989 earned a Bachelor of Music degree from UBC. Over the years, I’ve studied with a number of outstanding clarinetists:

• Lori Freedman
• Gene Ramsbottom
• Joseph Orlowski
• Wes Foster (VSO)
• Cris Inguanti (VSO)

Their guidance continues to shape the way I teach and play today.

Teaching & Studio Life

I opened my private teaching studio in 1989 and have been working with clarinet students of all ages and experience levels ever since. My teaching approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each student.

Highlights of my teaching experience include:

• Preparing students for Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams (many with honours)
• Teaching early childhood music using Orff and Kodály methods
• Teaching at a Korean music school in Surrey

Whether you're playing your first notes or preparing for auditions, I aim to help you enjoy music and build confidence.

Student Accomplishments

For students who are ambitious and dedicated, here are some recent notable achievements from past clarinet students. This could be you!

• 1 student won a competitive scholarship competition
• 1 student received honourable mention in a concerto competition
• 1 student was accepted into VCC Music as a clarinet major
• 1 student prepared for a Grade 9 Kiwanis performance class
• 1 student completed RCM Grade 6
• 3 students completed RCM Grade 4 with honours

Performing

I’ve been an active performer with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra since 1990 and continue to play with:

• Active clarinetist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra since 1990 and continue to play with:
• Local chamber groups
• Community ensembles
• Occasional professional engagements with gig orchestras throughout B.C.

Interests

Outside of teaching and performing, I enjoy:

• Photography
• Interior design
• Gardening
• Cooking (when I feel like it ;-) )
• Traveling

I live and teach clarinet in the Champlain Heights neighborhood of Vancouver, near Burnaby, and love being part of a vibrant, creative community. 

Let's Connect!

If you’re looking for an experienced and supportive clarinet teacher, I’d love to hear from you. You bring your curiosity and enthusiasm and I’ll bring my experience and love of teaching clarinet. Let’s make great music together!