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Master Degree: Ball State University, Bachelor Degree: Shenandoah University
2019 - Suzuki Book 4 Teacher Training
2015 - Suzuki Books 2-3 Teacher Training
2014 - Suzuki Book 1 Teacher Training
2014 - Orff Level 1 Teacher Training
I am a cellist living, teaching, and performing in Northern Virginia. I earned my Masters in Music Performance from Ball State University where I studied cello and chamber music with Dr. Peter Opie of the American Piano Trio and my Bachelors in Music Performance from the Conservatory of Shenandoah University where I studied the same with Mr. Clyde Shaw of the Audubon Quartet. I have attended various summer music festivals including the Idyllwild Summer Music Festival and the Chautauqua Summer Music Festival where I furthered my love of performing and attended professional masterclasses and performances on a near daily basis. I perform around the region as much as possible and in recent years has served as Principal Cellist with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, and performed with the Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, and Manassas Ballet Theatre. During the summers I enjoy putting together local chamber music concerts with family and friends. In addition to classical music I loves musical theatre and play shows whenever I can.
I began teaching private cello lessons in 2009 during my masters program. I began my study of the Suzuki method in 2014 and am currently certified through Book 4 with plans to continue study. I believe in the emphasis of listening skills and believe they help my students to be sensitive musicians. I have also taught many group classes for general music skills and piano skills and am certified in the Orff method and uses its emphasis on movement with all my students. In graduate school, I had an assistantship in the music theory department and instills the love of theory and basic musical knowledge to help create well rounded musicians. In addition to growing my cello studio in Woodbridge, I teaches early education music classes at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
I base my teaching from the Suzuki Method and have all students play the repertoire and exercises found in those books. Not only does this give all students in the studio a common path, but allows for playing together in recitals. I also have many supplemental books to teach reading, sight reading, scales, shifting, position pieces, double stops, and bow technique when the student is at the appropriate level. I place a strong emphasis on listening skills and ear development and always have a listening assignment for the students as well.
I am down-to-earth and laid-back, yet organized and focused in lessons. It is important to me that each student makes steady progress and their own pace, which I encourage through setting realistic goals for all students at each lesson. I find this a successful tool in students of all ages, from 3 thru adults. In breaking tasks down to small parts and building a foundation for solid cello playing, I find my students motivated, constantly progressing, and enjoying their time spent with the cello. This also allows me to tailor my instruction to each individual student.