About
I have loved music for as long as I can remember.
I began playing the violin at four years old, and began singing in choirs at age ten. I sang with the Chattanooga Symphony Opera Chorus in their 2018-2019 season, where we performed beautiful pieces such as Handel’s Messiah, and Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughn Williams. I studied opera and classical voice with Amanda Hyberger, professor of music at Chattanooga State University. I am continuing my vocal training with Joseph Bowman, B.M., and my violin training with Audrey Butler, B.M. I teach multiple classes at Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth, including the Middle School and Elementary Beginning Strings classes, Elementary Choir, and more. In my spare time I love reading, composing music, and swing dancing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For violin and viola students, I use a combination of the Essential Elements curriculum, the Suzuki curriculum, and I also often compose original music tailored to the learning needs of each student. I want the student’s experience to be fun as well as educational, so in addition to the curriculum exercises, I will also be sure to add in some fun pieces that the student already is familiar with and enjoys.
For voice students, my teaching method will depend on which genre of music you are interested in pursuing. A few that I teach most frequently are classical, opera, and Broadway. On your first lesson, we will go over the basics of good breathing and posture, figure out your voice type, what genre of voice you want to pursue, and from there, I will choose a piece for you to begin working on, and starting with that piece, you will continue to learn how to improve your voice in amazing ways!
I have learned that being immersed in the world of music is vital for being a good teacher. Musicians who only teach and do not “cross-train” by performing on their instruments regularly and continuing learning simply do not have as much to offer to their students. I pursue all of these avenues actively, not only for my own benefit, but also for that of my students.
My primary goal as a teacher is to be a motivating and inspiring mentor and guide. As the famous Chinese proverb says, a teacher opens the door, but students must enter by themselves. My highest aspiration is to show my students doors that they never knew existed, and giving them the tools to go through those doors on their own.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a music instructor at Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth, where I teach two beginning strings classes, and direct two choirs. I am currently continuing my own violin and voice training with Audrey Butler, B.M. and Joseph Bowman, B.M.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Violin, Viola, and Voice
30, 45, and 60 minutes
Whether you are a beginner or on an intermediate level, I’m excited to work with you! At this time I am offering in-person lessons at my studio at Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth, as well as online lessons via Zoom or Skype. Contact me to find out about availability, tuition, and studio policies.