FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I'm always happy to hear from prospective students! I offer a free sample lesson so you can try it out with no pressure to continue. I know it can feel vulnerable to meet a new teacher and/or to start learning a new skill, but I’m on your team and here to serve you! I want to hear about your goals and learning style so I can cater to your unique needs and desires as a student.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold dual masters degrees in violin performance and chamber music from the University of Michigan where I studied with Danielle Belen, winner of the 2008 Sphinx Competition and former teaching assistant to Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Oberlin Conservatory studying with David Bowlin, winner of the 2003 Washington International Competition and founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble. In addition to teaching private violin lessons since I was in high school, I have experience working with elementary students as a Sphinx Overture teacher in Flint, MI, and with high schoolers and young adults as a faculty member of SA’OAXACA International Music Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico. Not only have I witnessed great teaching up close as I’ve had the privilege to study with the most incredible violin teachers, but I’ve also gained so much teaching wisdom over my entire life from my mom, who is an absolute superstar elementary school teacher. As a performer, I was a prizewinner in the 2020 William C. Byrd Competition and I received numerous honors while a student at Oberlin and the University of Michigan. I’m most frequently complimented for my sound, vibrato, and bow arm. After performances, I’ve been told by accomplished musicians: “You made magic,” “You’re a rockstar,” and “You have one of the most beautiful vibratos I’ve ever heard.” Over the years, I’ve taken a plethora of classes in Alexander Technique, yoga, and general wellness classes for musicians. Additionally, I took Beyond Practicing, an online course taught by Juilliard alum and professor Noa Kageyama, which covers topics ranging from how to practice more effectively to tackling performance anxiety. I’m on a quest to keep finding ways to incorporate what I’ve learned into my teaching to help my students practice and perform with more ease, efficiency, and joy, which will in turn reduce the risk of injury in addition to making it all more enjoyable! And if we enjoy our time with our violins, we will naturally want to practice more 💪
- What types of customers have you worked with?
I've taught students ranging from young elementary students just starting off to serious and driven high school and college students working at a high level on repertoire such as Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto. I've also worked with adults looking to learn something new or refresh old skills. I've loved teaching all of them!