Allison takes a wholistic approach to teaching piano, incorporating music theory, ear training, healthy physical technique, improvisation and site-reading. She also teaches songwriting for students interested in composition. Lessons are tailored to each individual student, incorporating a diverse mix of classical and contemporary repertoire and a practice plan that addresses each student's needs and musical goals. Drawing upon her extensive theatre background, Allison encourages students to take creative risks, to be expressive, and above all, to play with joy!
As a teaching artist, Allison has worked with a variety of organizations in Philadelphia and New York City. Since 2020, she has worked with the Philadelphia Lullaby Project, a program developed by Carnegie Hall, helping parents of babies and toddlers to write songs celebrating their chidlren. She has also taught with Music Theatre Philly and World Cafe Live in Phialdelphia , Fit4Kids (NJ) and numerous organizations in New York, including Educational Alliance, PS 166-The Richard Rogers School of Arts and Technology, Neighborhood Music & Arts, Willie Mae Rock and Roll Camp for Girls and Beyond Rock. For seven years, she served as Director of Music for Queens, teaching the early music program Music for Aardvarks to babies and toddlers in the borough of Queens. Allison studied at Pomona College and The New School as well as at the London Dramatic Academy, and holds an MFA in music composition with an emphasis on scoring for media from Vermont College of Fine Arts.