I am a violist primarily, but am proficient on the violin. I hold a BA in music from St. Olaf College and a MM in orchestral conducting from the University of MN, Duluth. I have studied viola with Beryl Pettigrew, Ray Shows, and Brian Buckstead. I have been teaching in person and online lessons since 2015. I have taught as an independent contractor as well as faculty through Schmitt Music, K&S Conservatory of Music, Lake Superior College, and Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program. As a performer, I am predominantly an orchestral musician and chamber musician. I am currently pursuing a DMA in orchestral conducting at University of Nevada, Reno under Dr. Jason Altieri.

I am a passionate individual. I identify and adapt to each student's goals. I approach lessons encompassing a well rounded music education. Theory, history, and application of the music the student is working on will be addressed. I use my classical training as a violist and a conductor to achieve students' goals. Some would describe me as "energetic, coach like, reliable, precise, and analytical." Sometimes this can lead to misconceptions that I am picky for the sake of being picky. I perceive it as pushing the student to succeed.

I believe as a classical musician, I bring core, fundamental technique that is required to enable any student to succeed in other styles such as blue grass, church music, jazz, country, etc. I tend to structure my lesson with 1. exercise/theory 2. technique/etude book 3. repertoire. This is all based on the length of the lesson and the goals of the student.