During my studies I continued to teach piano in what is now my twenty-third year.  I continue to be excited by the new beginners embarking on their musical journey as well as the returning students who want to increase their musical knowledge.  It also makes me ponder how many different things I have done with my music since beginning as a youngster at the tender age of six. Those humble beginnings involved practicing on a $200 upright piano purchased at a farm auction sale which was my first instrument for about ten years. I think my parents paid $1 for each weekly half-hour lesson which was a lot of money to my farming parents.

Unfortunately, during my studies my composition projects were put on the shelf due to lack of time. I am excited to have more time to return to composing. Although I must say that having a composition background has been an asset during my music therapy work where I have to be able to adapt music on the spot to the client's needs.

During the fall of 2011 I was pleased to have two of my compositions performed: My Secret (Mezzo-soprano and piano) by Cella for the NATS competition in Winnipeg, MB and Let All the Peoples Praise the Lord (soprano flute quartet, originally for flute choir) by Jerry Casey, artistic director, in Columbus Ohio.  In July 2011 my piano solo Friendship was published in Canadian National Conservatory of Music's Northern Lights Musical Discoveries level 7, published by Mayfair Montgomery. Several of my piano solos are published in the prior grades of this series.