In addition to my academic training, I have pursued additional studies with leaders in our field: Roger Vignoles at the Roger Vignoles Mentoring Program, Susan Manoff at Musique sur mer en Acadie, and with Malcolm Martineau as a 2017 Crear Scholar.

This training has given me a knowledge of, and deep respect for tradition and style which I utilize to facilitate, encourage, and inspire individuality and artistic autonomy with each musician I work with. A lithograph in my home studio is a quote from James Finley which states “Nothing encourages creativity like the chance to fall flat on one’s face.”  Regardless of the time we have together, I take great pride in creating a space which offers everyone that opportunity for creative risk-taking.  My coaching style is joyful, supportive, and no-nonsense, and I center expressive singing and honest communication in my work.

I value conversations exploring text, I’m energized by supporting strong choices, and I love a good vowel. Your authenticity is my goal, and it is my absolute privilege to share in that process with you.

Recent student and client successes include acceptance into some of the country’s top training programs and institutions such as The Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, Santa Fe Opera, Haymarket Opera, SongFest, Harrower Summer Opera Workshop, Chautauqua Young Artist Program, Haymarket Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera Young Artist Program.

I coach from my home studio in Chicago’s Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhood.

My father was the only music teacher in an area-wide school network when I was growing up. To ensure all students had access to an instrument, he drove from school to school with a trailer full of string instruments. As an adult, I take great pride and inspiration from this image, which serves as a guiding light in my own work. I have experience and a proven track record of success in envisioning, administering, and implementing music engagement for all ages of music learners. From sing-and-dance classes for 4-year-olds, to university faculty appointments, and from directing professional choral ensembles to leading adult education programs through the Schubert Club, I believe music education is a life-long endeavor that is meant for everyone.

I have served as faculty coach at Viterbo University (LaCrosse, WI), and was Visiting Artist in Vocal Coaching & Collaborative Piano at the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA),  as well as faculty coach for the Up North Vocal Institute (Boyne, MI).  While in Minnesota, my freelance career took me to St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota (Duluth), and Gustavus Adolphus College as I supported the success of over 100 students a semester.

I am the program annotator for the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin where I write program notes for all their university ensembles, faculty and guest artist recitals, as well as the Opera Center’s productions (please explore my program notes here). I was the host and curator of The Listening Circle at the Schubert Club, where I also offer online pre-concert lectures for their International Artist Series (you can explore those here). Take a look in the Media section to explore some of this work.