About
I received my bachelor's degree from SUNY Potsdam's, Crane School of Music. Crane is a world-renowned center for music education where I was fortunate enough to study closely with Dr. James Madeja, Dr. Peter McCoy, Dr. Marsha Baxter, Dr. Mark Campbell, and many others.
While attending SUNY Potsdam I double majored in music education and performance and even minored in jazz studies. I have been performing with bands, orchestras, jazz, and even Latin jazz ensemble since my time at Potsdam. Most recently I received my master's from Bowling Green State University in May of 2019 where I was one of three trumpet studio Teaching Assistants. Currently, I'm a second-year doctoral music performance student at the Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) where I am also the trumpet studio Teaching Assistant.
I look forward to working with you and helping you to grow as a musician!
When someone asks me what I do for a living I tell them "I play the trumpet." Every time I get to tell someone I play trumpet I get excited? Why? Because who doesn't want to play for a living? Not only that but as an educator, nothing makes me more excited than when a student has an "ah-hah!" moment.
I've been fortunate to have multiple fantastic music educators in my life, and I hope to be able to share my joy and excitement of music with you!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student my first steps are having them identify weak points in their playing or knowledge. This helps me to identify what should be addressed in their first few lessons. Additionally, with all of my students, I work to solidify their fundamentals. Fundamentals are crucial to a student's ability to play the instrument efficiently. After fundamentals have been established we will typically move into solo or etude material which will help the student to further develop their abilities.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an undergraduate degree in music education/performance and a minor in jazz studies. My master's degree is in music performance. I am a current doctoral student at the Ohio State University in music performance. Of the last two institutions I've attended, I have been a graduate teaching assistant at both.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25/half hour lessons (Online)
$30/half hour lessons (in-person)
$40/hour lessons
$45/hour lessons (in-person)
$5 fee if I have to travel to you for lessons
How did you get started teaching?
My mother is a teaching assistant in a special education math class and my brother has autism. I knew from a young age I wanted to be an educator, and even in middle school, I remember wanting to be a musician. Fuse those two things together and here I am!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with beginner students, intermediate, and advanced undergraduate students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
On 2/28/21 four undergraduate students from the Ohio State University had their junior recitals. They all performed exceptionally well, it was great being able to see students of mine (albeit in a limited capacity) perform for a "live" (virtual) audience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who is diverse in what they can do on your instrument who has teaching experience. Teaching is more a trade than a career, it takes a number of years for you to develop your voice. Something which I feel I have done fairly well since beginning teaching in 2014.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are they hoping to get out of lessons?
Is there a particular solo or style you want to play?
How much work am I okay with putting in?
Am I okay with being critiqued?