Private Instruction
Group Classes
Suzuki Education
MA - Violin Performance - Western Illinois University
BS - Music Education - University of Illinois
BA - Philosophy - University of Illinois
Significant teachers and mentors:
Julian Aaron, Homer Schmidt, Almita Vamos, John Kendall
Awards and achievements:
Guest clinician as improvisation teacher and conductor at many Suzuki institutes and orchestra camps throughout the country.
Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise:
Teach the child, not the instrument.
Suzuki violin repertoire
Introducing improvisation to string players
String orchestra conducting
Suzuki Association of the Americas
New Philharmonic Orchestra
Interests outside of music:
Hiking, photography, golf
Favorite quotes:
William Starr defining the Suzuki Method -
“High standards in a pleasant environment.”
George Shearing on the role of a musician in society -
“To add to the amount of beauty in the world.”
Favorite practice tip:
Having started Irish fiddle lessons, myself, this summer I realize the most basic tips are the most valuable - slow practice, small section practice, and listening.
Favorite composer or piece to play:
O’Carolan - Shebeg Shemor
Favorite musical moment:
This was a four-hour moment last year. My orchestra accompanied all 5 Beethoven piano concertos in one concert. Although at first skeptical about the programming, I, and the audience, felt completely engaged by experiencing the development of the composer and witnessing the Herculean efforts of the soloist.