I started playing musical instruments and performing when I was five years old. After years of community shows, competitions, and masterclasses, I had to take some time away, in part due to burnout. A few years later, I began playing on my own time again, letting my personal creativity take priority over strict perfection. What I found was a love for the craft and art form of music that I had never quite developed as a child. My music was now my best outlet for emotional expression and processing; not to mention providing a way to develop identity and healthy self-esteem. This even led to me learning how to improvise, compose, and arrange music, all of which I never even dreamed I would do!

My experience with academic education was similar; I adored school, to the point where I graduated high school two years early and graduated college with a 4.0 GPA! However, even as someone who excelled in academic pursuits, much of my previous passion was replaced by anxiety. It is through my work and volunteering in educational environments that I have found the connection, encouragement, and healthy effort that allows many students to soar; even if they previously struggled.

My childhood experience of loving my art and studies but becoming exausted by the demands of traditional education is far from uncommon. I hear so many talk about the stress they endured before and during lessons that inspired dread moreso than creativity. My ultimate goal with my work, as someone who has experienced this entire journey, is to instill the mindsets and approaches that helped me rediscover my love for music from the very beginning of learning. My hope is that through encouragement of personal creative development and engaging lessons that all of my students will find their time learning with me to be restful, playful, and enjoyable instead of stressful. You are already capable of brilliance, and I want to be your biggest cheerleader!

If you would like to see my musical passions in motion, I would love to use the experience I have entertaining audiences at weddings, retirement homes, and more to provide you with the emotional experience you are looking for. I love to set the mood with my music while others socialize or make your event’s big moment feel unforgettable. I can play requests from a predetermined setlist or create the magic in the moment! If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to contact me and tell me what you are looking for!