MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Bachelor of Music in violin performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2010)
Master of Music in violin performance, James Madison University (2015)
I have been playing piano and violin for over 25 years, and have been teaching private music lessons since 2009. I have taught violin, viola, and piano students of many ages and abilities in Nebraska, Florida, and Virginia. While technical proficiency is an important aspect of learning a musical instrument, my lessons focus on developing a love of music and creating beautiful music at all levels. For younger students, life skills such as attention to detail, perseverance, and problem-solving strategies are also a priority.
Establishing healthy playing habits and preventing performance injuries are equally as important. My interest in performance injuries and their prevention began during my time as an undergraduate at UNL, when I took a class in occupational health and wellness for musicians. This interest continued at James Madison University, where I conducted a research study concerning music education students' familiarity with the performance injuries their own students might face, and the preventative measures that are available.
It is my belief that all people can benefit from music lessons, and that all students are capable of learning and improving in the correct environment. It is my goal to create this environment and be responsive to each student's unique needs, and continue to adjust as necessary to provide them with the support they require.
VIOLINIST
I currently perform with the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra as concertmaster, and have performed as a violinist with other symphonies in South Dakota, Nebraska, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, and Virginia. I frequently play for events in the Richmond area, such as church services, weddings, and corporate events. I can also be found performing at Classical Revolution RVA events, for which I was Executive Director from 2021 to 2024.
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I have played in the orchestras for operas at Opera on the James in Lynchburg, VA and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and for local musical productions in the Lincoln, NE area. I also performed with Ryan Head & the Bar Room Orchestra, a string band based in Lincoln, NE, and recorded and produced the album The Good Life with the Western Blue Band, a country trio. I currently am a member of Wolvenwind, a Norse folk rock band, and have performed with Radio B at his variety show, Radio B & Friends.
As a classical musician, my interests lie primarily in chamber music, particularly string quartets and piano trios, and in new music, particularly that written by women composers. I have participated in the premier performances of several contemporary pieces by student composers at UNL, FSU, and JMU. Most recently, I have been exploring the piano trio repertoire with friends David Raposo and Matthew Booth, as part of the Roseneath Piano Trio.
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I am also an enthusiastic Scottish fiddler, having won the 2021 US National Championship, as well as placing first in the 2021 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games fiddling competition; Best Air at the 2022 US National Championship; and Best Strathspey at the 2023 US National Championship.
