I have always loved music. I studied piano as a child and passed the RCM grade 8 piano and theory exams as a teenager. My piano teacher was my mother, Beverly Porter, who is still teaching piano and composing music in Ontario.
I went on to study engineering at university, and worked as a geophysicist in Calgary for more than 25 years. I was a member of APEGA, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, as a professional geophysicist.
Piano continued to be a part of my life, though. I would play whenever I got the chance, and I started to teach my three young children the basics. In 1999 I restarted my piano and music theory lessons with a wonderful teacher and mentor, Joan Bell. I took the grade 9, 10 and ARCT exams as well as all the accompanying theory and music history exams. In this way I obtained my Associate of The Royal Conservatory (ARCT) Teacher's diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in 2010.
I started teaching part-time in 2007, and began teaching full-time in 2014. I have taught adult students and students as young as 3, experience levels ranging from beginners to music level 10 (previously known as grade 10). I love being a part of the joy and personal growth that stems from learning music.
My teaching style is relaxed, flexible and focused on the individual needs and goals of each student. I believe that anyone can love and benefit from playing, and I work to tailor each lesson to the student and their learning style. My aim is to share my knowledge and guide students such that they enjoy their lessons, are intrinsically motivated to practice at home, and come to see music as a lifelong practice.
To me, being able to improve concentration, work ethic, reading skills and so much more, all while experiencing sounds and rhythms that have energized the human race for millennia, is truly an incredible joy and I am mindful of the privilege and responsibility it is to take part in this.
I am a member of ARMTA, the Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association. I am also a member of APTA, the Alberta Piano Teachers Association. My APTA membership allows for my students to enter the APTA Festival, a non-competitive, volunteer-run piano festival that takes place each spring in Calgary.
Outside of teaching piano, I love to run, especially on trails. I also have a hobby of knitting socks, and I have a stash of yarn that will last me 20 years. Of course I still play the piano for enjoyment. I have three wonderful adult children of whom I am very proud, and also three grandchildren.