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BM, Butler University, Music Education
2015 - Butler University - Outstanding Student Teacher Award
2014 - Butler University - Jackson Wiley Memorial Orchestra Scholarship
2012 - 2015 - Columbian Club Charitable Foundation, Dr. Ralph F. DelMonico Music Education Scholarship
2013 - 2015 - Principal Clarinetist, Butler Symphony and Butler Ballet Orchestras
2012 - 2013 - Principal Clarinet, Butler Wind Ensemble
I am a passionate musician and teacher devoted to helping people of all ages find lifelong enrichment through music. I am a recent (May 2015) graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. While at Butler, I was a part of their Community Arts School dedicated solely to giving lessons to students in the Indianapolis area. I've had students in the past few years ranging from students just starting out on their instrument to those who have been playing a number of years. My primary instrument is clarinet, which I began playing over a decade ago. In that time, I've learned that music is a lifelong passion and commitment that every day changes your lives in amazing ways. Everyone should be able to experience this, and it's part of my job to help spread the music!
My experiences with teaching began in my later high school years - I was part of a community service organization at school dedicated to teaching local elementary school students at any grade. Since then, I've taught primarily clarinet students independently at Butler University in Indianapolis. I've also enjoyed a good deal of larger classroom work, as I was involved in two internships, one at the elementary level (3rd - 5th General Music) and one at the secondary (7th - 8th General Music). In my last semester at Butler, I student taught at Avon High School for band and Franklin Township Middle School East for choir. Responsibilities at the former included sole direction of Concert Percussion, intermediate Symphonic Band, and AP Music Theory, and at the latter 7th Grade General Music and 8th Grade Mixed Choir. While at Butler, I was also principal clarinetist of both the Butler Symphony and the Butler Ballet Orchestras, and at one point principal of the Wind Ensemble as well. With that, I can safely say that I've seen the music world from the second row of woodwinds in the orchestra and from the podium in front of the kids!
My teaching approach focuses primarily on tone production - I think this is the most important fundament to teach young students. I like to use the Hal Leonard Essential Elements or equivalent beginner book (Hovey, Rubank for clarinet) to start the student off, but as they become more advanced, it's important to introduce repertoire to them. I allow the student some individuality here - what kind of music would they like to play? Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers.
Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. I remain supportive of the student's progress every step of the way, and the growth is not just about the student, it's about the collective - if both parties put in their ten cents, amazing things can happen, and it's rewarding when these experiences occur!