Piano, Celtic Harp

Iris began studying the piano when she was 4 years old and has been a devoted student of the instrument ever since. Classically trained, she earned her AAS in Piano Performance from Schenectady County Community College, where she studied with Mark Evans, Cliff Brucker and Lincoln Mayorga, graduating with honors. She continued her education at Union College and Russell Sage College.

After a hand injury temporarily kept her from the piano, she took up the harp, studying both the Grandjany and Salzedo methods before making her way to Limerick, Ireland to study the great art and tradition of Irish harp playing. She performs locally for weddings, showers and other events, specializing in Celtic ceremonies.

Iris began teaching piano at the age of 19, and has been highly in demand for over a decade. She teaches all ages and skill levels, and is known as a creative, patient and innovative instructor.In 2023 she was awarded the ‘Steinway Excellence in Teaching’ award.She believes that her students teach her as much as she teaches them, and that together they are a team working towards discovering the joy that music can bring.