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BM, Indiana University/Purdue University Fort Wayne, Music Education
2009-2011 - Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Premiere Wind Ensemble-Principal Trumpet
2010 - IPFW Concerto/Aria Winner
2011 - Performed as Principal Trumpet for the Premiere Wind Ensemble Tour through Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee
2010 - Present Fort Wayne Philharmonic Regular Substitue and Auziliary Trumpet (All Parts)
2010 - First Trumpet for College Band Directors National Conference in Seattle, Washington
I am a passionate instructor with high energy who loves working with beginning to advanced students. In 2011, I graduated from Indiana University Fort Wayne with a Bachelor of Music Education. Although education and teaching was my focus, I excelled in music performance as well. I have performed across the Midwest with the Premiere Wind Ensemble from my university and have had the privilege to perform professionally with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
My teaching experience has grown tremendously since being a teacher's assistant when I was in high school. I have been consistently involved with teacher music since my graduation from high school in 2007. In the Fort Wayne, IN area, I have worked with marching, jazz, and concert bands with multiple middle and high schools. I also have experience teaching smaller ensembles and private lessons. Last year, I was the assistant band director for a middle school where I worked with students who had never played before and the advanced ensemble. We all worked very hard and saw success when we received a Gold Rating at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) concert band contest.
For all of my students, I stress the importance of fundamentals. Although I do use method books such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, I like to tailor warm ups and fundamentals to each of my students. Then, I like to incorporate the fundamentals into familiar songs and exercises to keep the lessons engaging and fun. I strive to give my students practical knowledge that they can use to be successful in any circumstance. Lastly, I encourage my students to perform as much as they can for family members, student recitals, and other opportunities in order to develop confidence and a love for what they are doing.
My teaching style revolves around getting to know my student and his or her abilities/playing style. No two students learn exactly the same way, and giving one on one instruction is where we can work together to develop and progress in a customized way. I approach any kind of teaching as team work. We work together by me giving guidance and the student practicing so both of us reach our desired goals. Nothing is more rewarding that seeing a student succeed and develop a passion for what he or she is doing.