Music, Art and the Community

Last spring, 2006, I completed a unique design that has transformed an ordinary violin into a work of art. Nine other artists in the Kansas City area were also selected to share their creativity and talent in order to benefit the Northland Symphony Orchestra.

The violins created were on diplay in Zona Rosa's participating businesses from May until June 16th. 

The donated violins were auctioned off at an evening of fun, food and music held in the Zona Rosa courtyard -- behind Bravo -- on Saturday May 17th 2006.

I am pleased to announce that this benefit was a huge success. The 10 violins were auctioned at an average of $400 each with the highest bid being over $800. My work, titled ~ El Lenguaje de la Musica ~ now resides at the home of Alexis Smith, community supporter of the arts.

Since February 2005 I have been giving scholarship piano lessons to young musicians in the Kansas City area. With the help of some interested employees and generous volunteers at El Centro, this program has been able to provide free piano instruction to more than 10 children in families that demonstrate a financial need.

I began this program out of gratitude for my opportunites as a young person to learn how to play the piano and violin. I think that every child who has the desire to learn to make music should be provided with that chance. Please contact me if you would like to know more about Piano for Life or how you too can be a part of this educational and growing program.