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Teaching music at Madonna University, in my private studio, and performing as solo and collaborative pianist have revealed to me the joy, wonder, and power of Music.
It transforms our hearts and minds,
teaches us to understand and love our humanness.
(Research Interests)
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I hold Adjunct Professor status Madonna University, having served as chair of the Music Department and taught theory, ear training, analysis, counterpoint, music appreciation, humanities, and composed the University Alma Mater.

 

Now my attention is devoted to applied piano, theory, humanities and collaborative piano; I am also devoted to bringing “classical” music into non-traditional venues.

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Researching advanced literature for pianists with small hands, avoiding injuries to finger, hand, and arm is one of the most important aspects of my work as a piano instructor and mentor.

 

My performing life has consisted of diverse experiences:  as a performing member of the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, I've collaborated with local and national artists, and have premiered works by local composers such as Elaine Lebenbom. My career has also involved entertaining audiences at venues such as the Chamber Music at the Scarab Club with works of female composers like Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Mel Bonis, and Elfrida Andree

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As a member of the College Music Society, Livonia Area Piano Teachers Forum, the Michigan Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association, I continue to serve as an adjudicator for numerous piano competitions, scholarship auditions, and have been guest speaker at State Conventions as well as local chapters' meetings, and a member of the MMTA State Board of Certification for 6 years - encouraging the certification of piano teachers.

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I hold several awards in Teaching Excellence, Creative Teaching & Innovation, and a nomination for GRAMMY Music Educator Award (2015).

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Madonna University Alma Mater L Popoff-P
Sheet Music
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EDUCATION

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Advanced Repertoire for

Pianists with Small Hands

A project begun on my sabbatical, I am editing an anthology consisting of works with adjustments for those pianists whose hands cannot manage an octave comfortably.

Eastern Michigan University
MA:  Theory/Literature
Piano performance/collaborative piano
Anthony Iannacone (theory)
Joseph Gurt (applied piano)

Teaching large classes without 

resorting to

lecture-listen format

How music theory can be used to best advantage as it works 'hand in hand' in the expressive nature of music.

Marygrove College
BMUS:  Theory
John Guinn (theory, analysis, & music criticism)
Lawrence LaGore (applied piano)
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Advanced Studies with Edna Golandsky
New York City
Taubman Approach to Piano Technique
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