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BA, Texas State University, Mass Communication
2015 - Performed at Austin City Limits Music Festival 2016 - Austin Chronicle's Best New Band (w/ Calliope Musicals) 2017 - Austin Chronicle's Band of the Year (w/ Calliope Musicals)
Though I've been playing music since I was 10 years old, I had always viewed it as a hobby until I was a junior in College. After graduating from Texas State University in 2010, I nose-dived into the Austin music scene and after a couple years of networking and collaborating with other musicians, I found myself performing with a band called Calliope Musicals. In 5 years, we've toured and performed all over the continent and I've learned more about music and myself in that time than I ever have before.
My teaching experience didn't really begin until a few years ago. I began "shadowing" other teachers that I knew who founded The Music Bus Rocks, a local business that focuses on teaching young musicians-to-be, and I immediately became hooked with the process of teaching something that I loved. My experience has mostly been with kids and young adults, but I always believe that no one is too old to learn an instrument. Above all else, I enjoy the art of music because it makes me the happiest version of myself so I make sure that the lessons have that same vibe for the student. If the student doesn't feel like they're learning anything or if they simply aren't having fun, I'm messing something up! Message me for lesson inquiries and let's make your dreams come true!
For beginners, I like to start with proper hand techniques so the student can begin playing a few beginner-level chords. Once a few chords are learned, I generally like to help guide the student in the process of writing their first song! No matter the length or complexity of one's first song, I've found it to be a very encouraging step in the learning process. From there, we move along according to the student's need or desire. For intermediate players, I like to put a lot of focus on non-theoretical aspects of music such as FEEL, EMOTION, and TIMING. Though, I understand at this level, there may be a specific interest or goal in mind so I adjust my teaching methods to coordinate with what the student is interested in so that the lesson is both fun and rewarding.
I continue to develop my skills as a musician in a very goal-oriented manner so I like to utilize that aspect of learning with my teaching. Learning an instrument can take a lot of practice and at times can seem like you don't even see a flicker of light at the end of a tunnel. Because of this, I find it very effective to keep focusing on daily, weekly and monthly goals. Perhaps more importantly, acknowledging the accomplishments as they happen encourages the student to keep progressing. The greatest joy I get with teaching is watching the student's eyes light up when discover their talents!