My Bio

I began cello in the 5th grade in Mr. Sweet's orchestra. In the 8th grade I began private cello lessons from Wallas Bratt. This was a huge commitment for me and my mother and grandmother who would drive me to and from Boise, Idaho which was two hours away from my hometown. At the time that was the nearest cello teacher in Southern Idaho. I learned in Junior High to sacrifice time and money to help purchase a cello, bow, case, strings and music needed for my lessons. I served as principal cellist in Junior High and High School orchestra's as well as the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra. I organized a string quartet group No Strings Attached with fellow orchestra members as well as played in small ensembles. During the summer months I attended music camps in Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, and South Carolina. During my first two college years at the College of Southern Idaho I continued to take lessons from Mr. Bratt every two weeks and was a member of the Magic Valley Symphony. My last year at CSI I was able to convince Larry Goolsby to teach me lessons who lived in Jerome, just outside of Twin Falls making more time for practicing and less time on the road. I attended Boise State University for one year where I studied under Sam Smith who was a professor at College of Idaho (aka Albertsons College) while working on a vocal performance degree under Dr. Laura Rushing-Raynes.
After getting married I transferred to Utah State University where I studied with Anne Francis and members of the Fry Street Quartet and continued my pursuit in both voice and cello performance. During this time I enjoyed taking Suzuki teacher training from two wonderful Suzuki Method teachers Pam Davenport and Carey Cheney. Although I was did not learn how to play the cello with the Suzuki Method I do find that it is a very effective method for children. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Utah State in May 2008 with an emphasis in Cello and Voice performance. Upon relocating to Maryland with my husband I performed with the Prince George Philharmonic during the 2008 and 2009 season. I currently perform with the Mormon Orchestra of Washington D.C. and enjoy teaching lessons.

Studio Policies

1. Payment for lessons is due at the beginning of each month at the student’s lesson. If payment is not received in the first week of the month a late fee of $5.00 will be applied for each week.
2. Arrive five minutes before lesson and allow five minutes after lesson time for packing and unpacking your instrument and music.
3. Allow 48 hours notice if you need to cancel and reschedule a lesson. (Exception family emergencies and sudden illness). Forgotten or missed lessons will not be made up or reimbursed.
4. Beginning students must have their ‘practice buddy’ present at each lesson. This adult will be responsible for monitoring the students practice at home, taking notes during the lesson, and assisting the student in set up and unpacking of instrument. The practice buddy can be a fluent role that is filled by more than one adult and an enthusiastic practice buddy is very important to the student’s success.
5. Practice at home is essential to each student’s success; the proper amount will be discussed at the first lesson. Adjustments to time spent practicing will be made as the student progresses.
6. Communication is key if there is anything deterring the students progress at home or at lessons please address those concerns at lessons or during the monthly phone conferences.
My philosophy is this: The teacher is the expert of the musical instrument, the Parent (or practice buddy) is the expert of the child, and the child is an expert in being a kid. We can all learn something from each other and make beautiful music at the same time.