Teacher
Hey there! I’m excited to share a bit about my journey with you. Born and raised in the beautiful southern Mississippi, my love for music started early. I remember playing for vacation Bible school even before I was officially out of it myself! By the time I hit 6th grade, I was given the wonderful opportunity to become the organist for my home church, Pine Grove Baptist Church. It was such a special time for me.
I’ve been lucky enough to study under some fantastic professors, like Dr. Theresa Sanchez at Jones County Junior College and Dr. Gerald Aultman from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Their guidance helped shape my love and understanding of music. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my parents, who made countless sacrifices to ensure I had music lessons, encouraged my practice, and drove me to competitions. They truly laid the groundwork for my musical journey.
As an adult, I’ve had the joy of serving as a pianist and organist for various church congregations. It’s such a fulfilling experience to contribute to worship in that way, and I get a real kick out of being asked to fill in at different churches. It’s nice to know there are many talented musicians around, but I always feel honored to be part of the musical team.
My walk with Christ started when I was just 9 years old, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various capacities within the church. I’ve donned many hats, from directing Women’s Ministries to leading Children’s and Youth Ministries. My husband, Roger (who truly is the most amazing man), and I have also enjoyed our time in the church kitchen, helping to prepare meals for our Wednesday night gatherings. It’s those little moments that really build community!
Speaking of family, Roger and I have been happily married since 1990, and we’re blessed with two wonderful daughters, Annah and Emily. Our family has grown to include three granddaughters—Adelyn, Evelyn, and Railyn—as well as two adorable pups and five grand-puppers. We feel overwhelmingly blessed!
Currently, I’m the pianist and choir director at Byrd's Chapel Church in Henleyfield, MS, where I get to share my love of music with our congregation. I also teach piano lessons from home on Mondays, and at Picayune Music on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. It’s a joy to pass on the gift of music to the next generation!
Overall, I’m just incredibly grateful for the blessings God has poured into our lives. Music is such a beautiful way to express my gratitude for His grace and mercy, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
Where to find me
Private lessons at my home in Henleyfield are held on Mondays. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday lessons are conducted at Picayune Music (112 E Canal St, Picayune, MS 39466).
What to Expect
Each student is unique; therefore, each person learns at their own pace and in their own way. I approach each lesson individually. I do not have a "lesson plan." We work on a piece until we get it. If you don't like it, I suggest you work on it the most so you don't have to keep it longer than necessary. Do the hard work first! I encourage beginner students to practice (at home) a minimum of 3 times weekly, and at least 15 minutes per day...that's 45 minutes per week. This includes flashcard practice, theory, exercises, and music.
Students are encouraged to play for others as often as possible. The student has multiple opportunities throughout the year to perform during a service at Byrd's Chapel UMC.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Music lessons of any kind (piano, voice, drums, guitar, dance, etc.) are very different than other lessons such as sports. In music lessons, you have a lesson once per week in which you perform the pieces as instructed by your teacher. The remainder of the time is spent at home practicing and working through flashcards, theory, fingering exercises, scales, and music. This is a family journey. Parents, you will need to take time with your beginner student to read through the written instructions and work through the information provided by your teacher WITH your student. For parents used to sports, you take your student to practice with a coach several times a week, and then they perform on the weekend during a competition. Both require practice, patience, and performance. But the 3 P's are approached very differently. Music is a totally different family commitment than sports. All extracurricular activities build strength mentally and physically, character, and sportsmanship.
