When I was in music conservatory, I was assigned a famous classical piano teacher from Russia but I didn’t feel inspired. I ended up switching to jazz performance–which I loved. I studied with Kenny Barron, one of the all-time great jazz pianists. However my technical ability was limited and I was getting tense when I tried to play fast, which of course prevented me from playing fast. Although Kenny was a world-class jazz pianist, he didn’t always know how to teach me to get from A to B. He’d been performing and recording at such a high level for so long that his approach was more about sitting side by side at two pianos and playing. What I did learn from him though, has stayed with me throughout my musical career and I still continue to work on his concepts.
A book of Kenny Barron transcriptions
So, in my 3rd year of college, I started studying classical again with an amazing teacher named Wanda Maximilien. She wasn’t as popular at the conservatory because she wasn’t as famous as the other teachers, and her methods were slightly unorthodox. We clicked however, and she went above and beyond, even giving me additional lessons outside of school at no cost. Wanda mentored me closely, teaching me about the spiritual connection to the music I was playing and how to channel this in my performances. She inspired me to learn music I had never dreamed of playing and most of all, taught me how to teach myself. Her ability to break down the technical process of becoming a pianist helped me progress quickly. In a few short years I went from learning scales and beginner pieces to entering my first competition–and winning first place with Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto. It was a dream come true playing this magnificent piece in concert with full orchestra.
Wanda Maximilien
Wanda didn’t have the same results with other students. I’m not sure why exactly, perhaps I found a kindred spirit in Wanda that allowed us to make fast progress. She knew exactly how to inspire me while also planning a repertoire that would help me grow as a musician. I also worked harder than most, practicing usually 6-12 hours daily.
It’s clear that a great teacher can make all the difference, however, it can be a challenge finding one. In my piano studio, I aspire to share the best of what I have learned and tailor my lessons carefully to the needs of each student. As a late bloomer, I know what it’s like learning as an adult and what it takes to succeed. Playing the piano has brought infinite joy to my life and I feel fortunate to be able to share this gift with others both in my playing and teaching.