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BA, Missouri Southern State University, Vocal Performance MM, Westminster Choir College, Vocal Performance and Pedagogy
2010: Texas Christian University Norton Merit Scholarship 2006-2014: 8 yr. 1st place Regional NATS Competition 2011-2012: 2 yr. 2nd place Regional Musical Theatre NATS Competition 2013: Semi-Finalist State NATS Competition 2014- Summa Cum Laude Graduate 2017- Performed with world renowned Westminster Choir at World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, Spain
I am an ambitious, motivated, and passionate instructor and performer who thrives on the ability to inspire my enthusiasm for music and to collaborate with my students in achieving their desired musical aspirations. In 2015, I graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance and in May 2018 I graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. It has been a humbling privilege of mine to perform around the world and I have had the opportunity to perform in David Geffen Hall in NYC, Carnegie Hall, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia as well as major venues in Kansas City, Chicago, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. I was a member of the world-renowned Westminster Choir for 2 years during my graduate program and, in 2017, we had the honor of representing the United States at the World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, Spain. I also recorded to internationally released CDs with Westminster Choir and Westminster Kantorei, Westminster Choir College's Early Music ensemble.
My teaching experience began when I was in my undergraduate program, as I began teaching private and group lessons at a local Performing Arts Center. I encourage my students to establish a consistent practice schedule in addition to their lessons, as it offers paramount support to the material being studied, reinforces and conditions the instruments, and greatly contributes to the progress of the student. I strive to provide an exciting, fun atmosphere for the student while ensuring each lesson accomplishes the preset goals we have set. I encourage my students to perform publicly as often as possible to increase their comfort on stage in addition to showcasing their progress and accomplishments.
My general rule of thumb is, the younger the student, the less technique I will teach. Although I do not necessarily consider there to be a minimum age requirement for pursuing voice lessons, I do copiously encourage parents to be astutely aware of the potential risks encountered when young students are taught vocal and breathing techniques which should be reserved for intermediate or advanced students. My focus with younger students is to instill a passion and excitement for music while developing fundamental techniques. Repertoire includes basic, well-known age appropriate songs that the student genuinely enjoys studying. My lessons are specifically structured for each individual student according to their age, desired genre(s), and the student's ability.
Ensuring my students leave each lesson refreshed, revitalized, and energized is essential for me as an instructor. If the student is not fulfilled and having a great time, then I am not succeeding as an instructor. Likewise, creating realistic goals for each lesson as well as long-term goals is paramount to the success, continued growth, and progress of the students. Music lessons are a collaboration between the student and myself. Although my instruction, guidance, and expertise in my field will most assuredly contribute to the growth of my students, ultimately, the extent to which a student succeeds and flourishes is contingent upon their willingness and dedication to practice outside of the lessons. I generally expect my student to record each lesson as reinforcement of the techniques, vocalizes, warm-ups, etc. studied in each lesson. This also allows the students note their progress over time.