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.