Experience & Philosophy

Learn more about my training, teaching experience,
philosophy as a music educator, and how I format lessons.

My training

I am an experienced, supportive teacher, passionate about sharing my love of music. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching piano and voice to children, teens, and adults in Minnesota, Maryland, and Florida.

I have an excellent background in pedagogy, Contemporary Commercial Music and classical vocal technique, piano technique, solfège, sight-singing, ear-training, music theory, music history, lyric diction (Italian, French, German, Spanish, Latin, and English,) linguistics, and performance. In addition, I incorporate visualization, meditation, and movement to help my busy students release tension, learn better and memorize faster, while building confidence.

I encourage students to perform regularly for family, friends and community. I organize studio recitals, inviting students’ family and friends to hear the students perform.

Teaching Resume

Adjunct Faculty (2019-present)
Dougherty Family College & Department of Music
University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis, MN

Music Instructor (2018 - 2019)
Perpich Arts High School
Golden Valley, MN

Dean-Counselor (2017-2018)
Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
Saint Paul, MN

Vocal Arts Department Chair (2014-2017, 2018)
Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
Saint Paul, MN

Private Voice & Piano Teacher (1998-present)
Volare Music Studio
Italy, Minnesota, Florida, Maryland

Voice Instructor (2013-2014)
MacPhail Center for Music
Apple Valley, Chanhassen, and Minneapolis

Voice and Piano Instructor (2012-2013)
Schmitt Music
Edina, MN

Voice and Piano Instructor (2012-2013)
Mount Calvary Academy of Music
Excelsior, MN

St. James Children’s Choir Director (2007)
St. James Catholic Church
Orlando, FL

Opera Outreach Performing Educator (2006-2007)
Orlando Opera
Orlando, FL

Graduate Assistant: Outreach Coordinator
(2003-2005)
Peabody Institute
Baltimore, MD

Opera Outreach Performing Educator (2002-2003)
Peabody Institute
Baltimore, MD

K-12 Principal Licensure Program coursework
2017-2019
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul, MN

Master of Music, Vocal Performance (2005)
Peabody Institute
Baltimore, MD

Bachelor of Arts, Italian Studies (2002)
Phi Beta Kappa
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

My philosophy

My teaching is guided by two beliefs and one goal:

Music is our birthright. Music does not belong to the gifted, the educated, or the young. We can all make music! I teach all ages - from 8 to 98, and all ability levels - beginner through advanced. I tailor my teaching to the needs and interests of my students. I am comfortable working with a wide variety of genres and styles, including R & B, Broadway, rock, gospel, country, and more.
Music is meant to be shared. Before iPhones, iPods, TVs, or even radio - we had our voices! Once upon a time, if we wanted to hear music, we had to make it. Those days are long gone for many of us, but the desire to sing and communicate through song remains. I encourage all my students to perform - at home, in public, for family, friends, strangers... After all, confidence is acquired through doing.
Leave 'em better than I found 'em. I hope to not only help my students improve as singers and musicians, but also to be their guide as they develop a deeper understanding of who they are, as they become independent learners, and as they acquire confidence in their abilities. Lastly, I train my student to perform in a healthy manner and to know how to maintain their instrument's health.

Instruction

I divide lessons into thirds:

The technique: The first third I focus on warming up the voice or hands, building technique, and learning about good singing/playing habits.
Music Skills: In the second third, through solfège and rhythm exercises, students learn about sight-reading, ear-training, and reading music.
Repertory: In the final third students study songs/arias and learn about music history, lyric diction (vocalists), developing and conveying a character (vocalists) or acquiring performance skills.

When preparing for a recital we also work on performance etiquette, managing anxiety, and developing confidence.

Professional Associations

Education Minnesota
National Association of Teachers of Singing
Phi Beta Kappa
Mu Phi Epsilon