Building musicianship is a delightful and transformative process. When we make music, we are simultaneously connecting so many parts of ourselves: mentally, emotionally, aurally, and physically. The opportunity for connection and transformation expands when we collaborate with other musicians, students, and teachers. My inspiration as a music educator comes from the excitement students feel as they make these connections for themselves and experience the magic of making music.

As a teaching artist, I believe it is my responsibility to:
• empower each musician with the development of exceptional skills;
• select motivating, diverse, and culturally relevant repertoire;
• provide vibrant and collaborative music making opportunities with fellow students and guest musician; and
• foster inclusivity through musical creativity and understanding

I draw on my vast experiences as a music educator to tailor my instruction to each learning community. I have worked with students ages birth to retiree, providing early childhood music immersion classes and performances, recording student ensembles, teaching songwriting and improvisation, producing and directing musical theater, and creating group ukulele programs with performance ensembles.

I offer captivating instruction that empowers students across the curriculum. From the very first ukulele lesson, students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives through creative lyric alterations. The joy and benefit of collaborating with other musicians is evident as I welcome guest musicians to perform and jam with my students. Learners are affirmed with the study of music from their own cultural backgrounds, with experts in the community engaged as vital resources.

By providing students with the tools to express themselves musically, we open doors to self-discovery, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning. I aim to inspire students to become not just proficient musicians, but also independent thinkers and creators. Through each residency, I hope to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive musical community that celebrates diversity and nurtures the unique voice of each individual.