Growing up in southern Manitoba Irene studied piano with Wilma Poetker, then went on to pursue a nursing profession which she still practices full time. For many years there was little time for music.
In 1996 Irene made time to resume piano studies with Shirley Hawkins and began teaching a few students. She Graduated in 2005 with an ARCT in piano performance. Irene accompanied the Georgian Bay Children’s Choir from 2002 to 2009. She is a member of ORMTA Owen Sound Branch.
Last year while traveling to Summer Sizzle in Yorkton, the plot to do some pedagogical upgrading was hatched! As a result Irene spent the past winter enjoying research, and completing requirements for2 of the credits for CNCM licentiate in piano pedagogy. She currently lives in Owen Sound with her husband Tim. They enjoy Astronomy, Gardening, Traveling, 6 children, and 5 grandchildren.