I am a graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where I was born and raised. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in All-Level Music Education. After graduation, I embarked on a 27-year teaching career in Texas, during which I taught Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Music Appreciation, and Music History. In addition to public school teaching, I have also taught private music lessons (with an emphasis on woodwind instruments) for over 40 years, and that is where my passions truly lie. Working with a student one-on-one allows each of us to 'read' the other; I can ascertain their learning style, and that allows me to tailor my instruction to their specific needs. At the same time, they can see that I am an instructor who is passionate about what I do and eager to help them achieve their goals. My only agenda is to help them improve and to (hopefully) instill a love of music that was instilled in me many years ago. In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time outdoors, especially where water is involved.