Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Frayser, part of inner-city Memphis, where I loved playing piano, clarinet, and basketball. I went to the University of Alabama to play basketball and graduated with a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
I graduated University of Tennessee medical school, completed a four-year residency in Neurology, a fellowship in stroke, and another fellowship in Neuro-Critical Care and Neuro-Trauma.
With these critical specialties, I take care of the sickest neurology patients and their families at some of the darkest and most vulnerable times in their lives. It is a humbling experience.
Tell us about your piano lessons with Steve.
When I met Steve at the first lesson, I knew we would be a perfect fit. His attention to detail suits me perfectly, and his patience is unmatched.
Moving from Memphis to Baltimore, I switched to video study. Steve has it down to an art and is able to capture everything he needs over FaceTime.
I am extremely busy from week to week, and Steve makes every lesson unique to my current wants and needs. When I had a particularly hard week recently, we simply reviewed fun old pieces and enjoyed the art of just playing.
I often feel as if I am in a therapy session with Steve, in the best way possible. I come as I am, and I leave the lesson as a better person with an improved outlook on the week ahead. No matter where I live, I will continue lessons with Steve, in person or over video.
What does piano playing add to your life?
Playing piano brings a sense of peace and belonging to my life. As I have gone through struggles in life, music has become even more important. My Dad tells me, “You play so differently than when you were younger, more emotionally.” Music is an outlet for my feelings, a way to express my deepest thoughts without saying a word, like medicine for my soul.
What are some of the pieces you have most enjoyed playing?
Fur Elise is an all-time favorite. I constantly go back to This Is the Moment from Jekyll and Hyde. At my grandmother’s funeral last year, I played Vincent, a deeply emotional and beautiful song.
Tell us about your hobbies.
In addition to playing music, I’ve written a total of 23 movie scripts, have published poetry, and am currently working on a novel. I also love cooking and baking; I recently baked and decorated a wedding cake and a groom’s cake for a close friend. And I’m a lover of travel, languages, and cultures.