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MM, Western Michigan University, Trumpet Performance
BM, SUNY Fredonia, Music Education
2015-Performed "Star Spangled Banner" with the 1st Cavalry Division Band, U.S. Army, before a nationally televised audience for a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles
2009-Performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
2008-Graduate Assistantship, Western Michigan University
2008-School of Music Scholarship, Western Michigan University
I have been playing the trumpet for over 20 years and enjoy spreading my love of music. I graduated from SUNY Fredonia in 2007 with a degree in Music Education and from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a Master's of Music in Trumpet Performance. After graduation from WMU, I taught in various school districts around New York as a substitute teacher and music teacher. I have performed with various orchestras such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. In 2011, I joined the 42nd Infantry Division Band, New York Army National Guard, U.S. Army. In 2014, I began an active duty contract with the 1st Cavalry Division Band, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas. I recently moved back to upstate New York and continue to play and teach.
Since returning to New York, I have begun to build my private studio. I focus on best practices in regards to improving the fundamentals of playing and building the strength need to be a successful musician. I always try to vary my instruction to fit the individual needs of each student. I will encourage all of my students to play as much as possible and to volunteer for festivals and extra-curricular performance opportunities. I have been teaching music since high school and love inspiring students with the same passion for music that I have had for a very long time.
I began leaning in the Walter Beeler method when I was in fourth grade. I have been exposed to various different methodologies to teaching brass instruments. I would tailor my instruction to give each student the best opportunity to be successful. I will focus on exercises such as lip slurs, long tones and technique, all while trying to throw interesting musical tunes in to keep the student guessing and interested. I always try to keep my lessons fun and motivating. I will work on music brought to me by the student, as well as assign music to work on each week.
My teaching style is one of stern motivation. I expect that each student will take the personal pride to prepare for each lesson by practicing the required amount and the assigned music. I can expect this because despite having a full-time job, I still find the time to practice and prepare for all of my lessons and performances. I also want my students to be successful and be proud of the performances that they are a part of. If your student is auditioning for music school, I will ensure that your student is prepared and happy with the results of their auditions.