As both a music teacher and Board-Certified Music Therapist, I offer a unique blend of services that I can adapt to each child's circumstances. My background allows me to provide traditional music lessons with an understanding of diverse learning needs, offer clinical music therapy services for therapeutic goals, or create hybrid approaches when appropriate. During our initial consultation, we can discuss your specific goals and determine the best approach for your child.

For those focused on musical education, we'll create a personalized curriculum that directly addresses their goals. Whether your child would like to learn their favorite songs, accompany themselves while singing, or write their own music - or all of the above - we'll tailor lessons to their specific interests.

My teaching philosophy centers on three core elements:

1. Building strong fundamentals

2. Developing musical interests

3. Nurturing creativity

I believe in helping individuals start making music they're excited about as quickly as possible. What makes my lessons unique is that I personally arrange every song my students play - from beginner to advanced levels. With a strong ear for music and quick notation skills, I can transform any song request into level-appropriate sheet music. Whether it's a classic, current hit, or even music from a YouTube video, I'll create a custom arrangement for piano or guitar that matches your child's skill level. This eliminates the need to search for and purchase sheet music that may not exist or suit their needs.

As a Board-Certified Music Therapist with hundreds of hours of training, I specialize in adapting my methods to each individual learner. My students and clients are always greeted with a friendly face and positive energy, and music is the vessel for helping them learn new skills.

My education from Colorado State University has equipped me to teach piano, improvisation, and songwriting. Additionally, my experience with guitar, bass, and trumpet provides valuable insight into ensemble playing and the broader musical process.

Overall, I want to give your loved one a great musical experience that is catered just for them. I hope to hear from you!

I first became interested in supporting people using music as a kid, when I would volunteer with my sisters in nursing homes to provide piano music on Sundays. My senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, NM in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit as an assistant to the Recreation Director. There, I was able to connect with the veterans through conversation and music; I realized that sharing music could be a powerful tool in bringing people together and improving their quality of life. I continued to seek out places where I could share music with others to build meaning, such as in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, the Girls Rock! organization, homes for adolescents, and in special education classrooms.

In various ways throughout my experiences, I have found that music is a spectacular way for people to share and connect. I'm excited to continue creating musical experiences that bring joy and fulfillment to everyone I teach and support.

I discovered my passion for teaching music in 2008, when I began giving piano and guitar lessons while still in high school. This passion grew during my time at Piano & Guitar Institute in Fort Collins (2014-2016), where I worked alongside experienced teachers and participated in recitals with over 200 students.

My own musical journey at Colorado State University was immersive and diverse. While studying in the classical piano studio, I also pursued jazz, played trumpet in the marching band, and accompanied other music students for their final exams. Outside of academics, I performed with local bands, embracing various musical genres and continually seeking new challenges. This diverse experience now helps me guide my students through their own musical challenges and growth.

In 2017, I became a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). A defining experience in my career was my work at St. Elizabeths, a forensic psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C. (2016-2019). There, I started as an intern and later became a contractor, establishing an innovative in-hospital radio station where individuals could be DJs, host conversations, and select music. This experience deepened my understanding of music's therapeutic potential in both individual and group settings.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. My experience spans working with young children, adults with developmental disabilities, autism, and learning disabilities like dyslexia, as well as older adults with Parkinson's Disease and dementia. Whether in music lessons or therapy, I prioritize meeting each person where they are, creating an environment that nurtures their individual strengths and supports their unique goals. If your loved one needs specific accommodations, we'll work together to develop strategies that best support their musical journey.