Diane began her accordion training at the age of ten in the Chicago area. She was classically trained at the Imperial School of Music where she studied Hanon, Czerny, scales, theory and classical pieces. The school provided opportunities to perform and compete solo and in the accordion orchestra at state. 

At age 14 she began teaching the younger accordion students and directed the Junior Accordion Band under the direction of the school master.

Raising a family provided opportunities to assist her children's music education.  The instruments they studied included  piano, violin and wind instruments.  
 

Preschool music teaching

After relocating to Eastern Washington State in 2005, Diane identified the need for a preschool children's music program that included parents and/or caregivers.  She enrolled in an internationally recognized preschool music training program in Vancouver, B.C. Upon successfully completing the course,  she qualified to become a Licensed Center Director and Teacher for an international preschool music program in Tri-Cities, WA.   The program consisted of nine different 12 week sessions over three years.  The children who completed the course achieved "music competency". These children were well prepared for music lessons on piano, violin, voice and the accordion. 

Elevating the Accordion 

Diane was a member of the Washington State Music Teachers Association, Tri-Cities, WA Chapter. During her time as a member she was chairperson and moderator for the monthly teaching strategies discussion group. Examples of topics included: technique, theory, performance, competition, etc.

Diane participated in teacher recitals and her students participated in recitals and the ribbon festival. She was also invited to be a monthly guest speaker to present and give a demonstration with the accordion.

Professional Memberships

Diane is currently a member of  Accordion Teachers Guild (ATG), American Accordionists' Association (AAA ) and the Northwest Accordion Society (NWAS). 

She has attended several ATG Conventions where she played in the ATG Orchestra and her students participated in the competitions.

The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration (LIAC) is an annual event hosted by the NWAS. Diane performed multiple years at the Gazebo and her students participated in the competitions.