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Bachelor Degree: Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Master Degree: San Francisco Conservatory
I am a professional trombonist and music educator in the Bay Area. I have a master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I started my trombone career surrounded and mentored by the leading brass players in the Chicagoland area. I am also a frequent freelancer in the area, having played with the Stockton & California Symphony Orchestras. As an educator, I provide masterclasses and privately teaches trombone and euphonium to players of all skill levels. Throughout my professional studies, I have participated in national & international festivals, including the Prague Summer Nights Festival and Miami Music Festival. I have performed in masterclasses for professional trombonists such as Timothy Higgins, Joe Alessi, Sean Reusch, Colin Wise, Ken Wolff, and Ross Holcombe. Before my collegiate career, I attended the Merit School of Music and Midwest Young Artists Conservatory.
I have experience teaching students of all ages and ability levels in various settings. I have tons of performance experience performing in professional opera pits, orchestras accompanying premier vocal artists, subbing in regional orchestras, and even playing on albums for new classical artists. My true passion is sharing my experiences and pedagogy expertise to bring out the best in talented students. Additionally, I performed in many trombone quartets, trombone choirs, and other various brass ensembles and that sense of community is something I aim to bring to my students.
I assess every student's unique needs to help them achieve their goals. Influenced by teachings of other professional orchestral musicians and teachings of Arnold Jacobs. I take a singing approach to the trombone, putting sound at the forefront of every student's development. For young students, developing a love for music, good fundamentals, and forming good habits are the most important part of the work we do in private lessons. Being an excellent musician is not just about practicing, it is also creating well-rounded, intelligent individuals that have the skills to succeed in all parts of life.
My approach to teaching supports the student in meeting their goals on the instrument, with an emphasis on playing with your best sound. Additionally, the mind is the most powerful tool that any of us have and the instrument is an extension of that. Helping students reach their potential by matching the greatest sound they can imagine to what is produced on the horn. Students will also be exposed to all standard trombone method books, study fundamentals, form healthy habits, learn instrument care, and be encouraged to participate in competitions and extracurricular music activities.