Enter the Sound Garden

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I began tapping rhythms, singing, and experimenting with sound as soon as I could talk. I started piano and drums between the ages of three and six. From there, instruments followed quickly and naturally. Throughout childhood and adolescence I learned percussion, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, harmonica, recorder, and several others. I often picked up new instruments during summer programs or simply out of curiosity at home. This early and immersive foundation shaped a lifelong connection to music and a deep understanding of how different instruments and styles work together.

Beginning in third grade, I joined choir and a program called Instrumental, which was an early extracurricular opportunity for musically inclined students. I grew up in Zephyrhills, Florida, and spent my middle and high school years immersed in the arts at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School and Zephyrhills High School. In middle school I played percussion in beginning and intermediate band, participated in marching and symphonic band, joined jazz band and choir, and performed in talent shows on drums, xylophone, piano, and voice. By eighth grade I was involved in nearly every ensemble available. I continued this path throughout high school, participating in marching season, symphonic band, choir, show choir, drama club, and theatre productions. I often filled in on clarinet or saxophone when needed.

I served as a section leader in both middle and high school in percussion, auxiliary percussion, and choir. I frequently coached peers and supported younger students. Performance highlights include multiple solos, show choir performances, theatre roles, and a featured vibraphone solo at Disney Springs with my middle school jazz band. Throughout middle and high school, our bands, choirs, and theatre programs consistently earned excellent and superior ratings at MPA, solo and ensemble, all county, and all state events.

I was fortunate to learn under Scott Leahy, Christopher Dyel, Brian Schmidt, Russell Schmidt, and Luan Gore. Each of them shaped my musicianship in meaningful and lasting ways. Their teaching, guidance, and passion for the arts influenced my technique, discipline, creativity, and appreciation for diverse musical styles. I carry deep gratitude for all of them and the foundation they helped build.

My teaching experience began early through section leadership, peer coaching, and volunteering with the middle school band while I was still in high school. Over time, this grew into a broader educational path. I taught music sessions at the Children’s Museum of Denver, worked as an outdoor educator and day camp counselor at YMCA of the Rockies, and spent five years as an Early Childhood Educator in the Denver metro area. These roles strengthened my ability to teach through play, support developmental needs, and create learning environments that are calm, expressive, and grounded in curiosity. This blend of musical training and educational experience shapes the way I teach today. My approach is professional, creative, and responsive to each child.