Dalcroze Eurhythmics Certificate, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Music, Instrumental Music Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Significant teachers and mentors:
Michael Udow, Julie Spencer, Salvatore Rabbio, Gerald Cleaver, Jane Sullivan, Mary Westmaas, Greg Secor
Awards and achievements:
Created curricula at Sherwood/Columbia for ages 2-8 including: BE the Music! Percussion 4 Kids, Exploring Musical Instruments, Sing With Me, Voice for the Young Performer, and Bumblebeats
Certified Music Together Teacher since June of 2000
William D. Revelli Alumni Band Association Recipient, November 1997
In my teaching, I apply the concepts of Dalcroze Eurhythmics, a unique kinesthetic approach to music education. I'm especially passionate about teaching people who are neurodivergent and I find music is the bridge connecting me to them. To find joy in life through music is my goal with all of my students!
Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Incoming Freshmen 8/9/2019 The Chicago High School for the Arts, Chicago, IL
Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orthodox Music Master Class 6/20-21/19
Society of Saint Romanos the Melodist, Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Chicago, IL
Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Doctors in Residency Program 1/9/15
St Mary Elizabeth Medical Center, Chicago, IL & 12/19/14
Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Piano Pedagogy Majors 11/11/13
Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Ohio Music Teachers Association 9/27/13
State Conference, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH
Percussion Professional Development Workshop 12/2/09
Stanford Lively Arts, Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, CA In conjunction with SO Percussion
My very first memorable musical moment was the rhythm of the rocking chair when I was an infant as well as hearing The Price Is Right theme song. Carrying the largest bass drum for 5.5 miles in the Rose Bowl parade was high up there as well (Go BLUE!). And highest on the scale for me (pun intended) was having an out-of-body experience while practicing on my professor's marimba in college.
Playing percussion is a full body, mind and soul trio experience. It brings me in the now and fills my heart with joy. I find playing music is the best way to communicate and connect with others, as well as with myself.
Interests outside of music:
When I'm not teaching, you can find me on my bike, in the pool or relaxing with a book in my hands.
Favorite quote:
"Pay attention to the moment, it will be the past soon," song lyrics by the band, The Mathematicians
Favorite practice tip:
Quality, not quantity! "A note is never wrong, it's creative." Julie Spencer
Favorite composer or piece to play:
Frédéric Chopin "Comptine d'un autre été l'aprés-midi" by Yann Tiersen & "The Anvil Chorus" by David Lang
Favorite musical moment:
I was playing the famous gong part in Carmina Burana: O Fortuna in a high school orchestra pit, and unfortunately lost the mallet head, it went rolling away from the percussion section in between hits. So I fetched it by the time I had to play the gong again and literally bowled my way into it, for lack of a mallet base. I was proud to have recovered from such an awkward coincidence in as graceful manner as I could manage within that moment!