Masters in Performance and Pedagogy, Violin and Viola, Northern Illinois University. BM NIU Certificate of Study with Shinichi Suzuki, 1986, Matsumoto, Japan.
Solo performances with KSO, IVSO, Rockford Chamber Orchestra and Chicago Camerata - 2016 Byron Hester Excellence in Teaching Award Legacy Award in Sycamore Music Boosters Hall of Fame. 2014 DeKalb Music Booster's MUSE Award 2019
My goal in teaching is to explore a deeper level of communication and connection. Connecting with others via this wavelength called music is such a privilege. We learn more about ourselves and our learning styles through studying music. I have had the good fortune to be raised in a Suzuki environment and later raise two children in this environment as well. I am committed to Dr. Suzuki's philosophy that every child can learn and deserves a musical education. Now after teaching for 35 years, I feel comfortable working with parents/caretakers and children of all ages and stages in the Suzuki journey. I have found that talent is prevalent, yet creating the optimal environment for each child is rarer and the most important work. There will be a positive outcome if the child's heart and needs are placed before the skill being learned. "Where there is love, much can be accomplished." Shinichi Suzuki
Lifetime member of the Suzuki association of the Americas American String Teachers Association Chairperson of Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas for the SAA conferences and Violin Coordinator for the Suzuki Association of the Americas conferences - 2014 and 2016
Interests outside of music: I love to read, dance, hike, travel, cook and eat and mostly spend time with my husband and children and Golden Retriever, Chloe. Favorite quote: "If at first you don't succeed then you will know you are aiming high enough." Adam Grant Favorite composer or piece to play: I love almost all music prepared well and played from the heart. Some favorites are sonatas by Debussy, Prokofiev and Brahms, Mahler Symphonies, Latin music and Jazz. If I were forced to choose a favorite violin concerto it would be either Sibelius or Barber and my favorite viola concerto is the Walton. That is how I feel today...tomorrow could bring a different response! Favorite musical moment: When I was 9 years old hearing the "Swan" played on a record. It changed my life... I knew I wanted that sound around me forever, so I married an amazing cellist.