Nickname/Preferred Name

Gail

What is your primary instrument? Piano
Secondary instruments? (Trumpet!!!)

When did you join the MTAC? What made you decide to join?

1980
I wanted to be a member of a professional music organization. I knew several of the members like Regina Mastrantonio and Trula Whelan and I appreciated the high standards that MTAC upheld. I also felt that becoming a member of MTAC would help me to improve my teaching skills. 

Fondest musical memory?

My first MTAC meeting was held at the home of then President Muriel Bibeau. I couldn't get a babysitter, so I brought baby Jason with me and set him on the floor in his car seat. I don't remember much about the meeting, but I do remember all the teachers making a fuss over him and constantly telling me how cute he was! For many years afterwards, our MTAC members would ask me about Jason. He attended every MTAC convention with me and literally grew up as a part of MTAC.

Best advice you have been given as a musician? Or advice you like giving?

I encourage teachers to join their local teacher's associations, attend workshops, attend conventions, and always network with other teachers and share ideas. 

Favorite musical era/composer/work?
My favorite composer is Frederic Chopin. I especially love his Scherzi and Ballades. 

Something you should know about me is:

I really love music and credit my mother for getting me started on piano and "making" me practice. I didn't always want to practice but she made me get up every morning at 6:00 a.m. and practice for one hour before breakfast. I think this shows how important a parent is in the success of a student. By the time I was in high school I was finally self-motivated. I credit both my mother and my teacher for the success I achieved. I enjoyed a terrific career as Senior Piano Editor for KJOS Music Company, Director of Keyboard Publications for Warner Bros. Music, Educational Sales Manager for Hal Leonard Corporation, Editor for the California Music Teacher magazine, New Music Reviewer for CAPMT CONNECT, and now currently an independent studio teacher with studios in Pleasanton and Castro Valley. 

Thanks Gail!