Education
Dana received her B. A degree from Mills College in Music, and a minor in French Studies. She then went on to earn her M.M. from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. Dana studied the Keyboard Collaborative Arts and Suzuki ECC, Books 1, 2, and 3.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Since completing her education, in addition to teaching, Dana has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist and in choirs around the world as singer, pianist, and conductor. She enjoys introducing lesser-known composers to audiences, particularly those by women composers.
Dana has been teaching piano for 20 years, to both children and adults of all levels and diverse cultural backgrounds. She began her piano studies using the Suzuki method at the age of 6 and has recently returned to the method as a teacher. Dana is the parent of a child with special needs and enjoys teaching students with special needs.
A US citizen, Dana grew up in Nepal and India. She continued to explore the world, living in Burkina Faso, Belgium, and Bahrain, and traveling in the Middle East and South Asia before settling in Bethesda, MD. Performing and teaching in several different countries has given her a unique set of qualifications for working in an international city, such as the Washington, DC metro area.
At Levine
Dana joined Levine’s Suzuki Piano program in August 2018. She teaches both Suzuki and traditional piano.
She says her favorite part of being at Levine is “being part of a larger organization with the goal of bringing music to many different people. I look forward to collaborating with students and other teachers on many fun projects, and to learning from each other.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Training in the Suzuki method has given me a new passion for teaching. Now I show rather than tell; I praise rather than criticize; I listen more, and I encourage my students to learn through listening. Keeping the entire Suzuki triangle in mind, I help parents develop a positive musical relationship with their child and encourage my students to enjoy making music while striving for excellence. This foundation prepares students for a lifetime of musical adventures!”
More About Dana
Learn more about Dana on her website.