What motivated you to start working with SOUNDS?

I became interested in working with SOUNDS because of the way its mission of enriching student’s lives and personal development through learning music is entangled with and resonates with my own background and story. As someone who came into this field later than many of my peers and with significant challenges, I recognize the profound impact that this and other organizations have to create real change in the lives of young musicians, and I want to reciprocate the generosity I experienced in being offered opportunities I may not have had otherwise.

What goals do you have for yourself and your students this year?

My students this semester are mostly brand-new to SOUNDS and piano, so my primary goal is for them to develop a first love for music and creativity, with the instrument being not just as a means of expression and connection but also a way to learn valuable skills like persistence, listening, and consistency. My own goal is to develop a stronger set of tools as a teacher in working with each student individually and understanding their learning styles, discover more about my own strengths and weaknesses as a musician and communicator, and to help each one become excited by what they can create by modeling joy myself.

What inspired you to become a music teacher?

As a college student, I was deeply influenced by my horn studio professor, not just by her technical instruction and performance but by her thoughtful and earnest approach to teaching that considered the entire individual. She, along with the other instructors I have had over the years changed my view of what teaching can be — more than just passing on a skill, it’s demonstrating how to carry yourself, how to create, how to interact with the world. I want to give back in the same way that others invested in me and become part of the next generation of teachers who make a meaningful and lasting impact on students’ lives.

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’ve always been a big fan of vocal and choral music, but the rich musical storytelling of opera in all its elements has recently had my attention. It’s out there, but it would be an absolute dream come true to play with the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, being the backdrop to some of the grandest music ever sung. Another dream would be to play on a jazz ballad set at Blue Note in New York.