WELCOME!
I am a Suzuki Method violin and viola teacher with 15 years teaching experience. Originally from Utah, I started my teaching career in Seattle, Washington, where I was the Director of The Suzuki Academy at Music Center of the Northwest. I moved to Brisbane in 2009 to be with my Australian husband.
I am now accepting students seeking violin lessons or viola lessons. I teach private lessons at my home on weekdays from 7:30am until 9pm, to students from age 4 up to adults. Please feel free to review the testimonials written by some of the parents of my students, or peruse some photos and videos of me teaching my students.
Specializing in teaching the Suzuki method, I love to help violin and viola students discover and express their uniqueness as individuals. I provide a structured, yet nurturing environment that promotes building a strong foundation of excellent technique and musicianship. Students then thrive while developing self-motivation through mastering small steps, participating in group classes, and performing in studio recitals.
BACKGROUND
As the youngest in a large musical family, I began my formal musical training at age five when I started piano lessons. Influenced by my two older sisters who played the violin, I was determined to also play. Finally, after begging and prodding my parents, I started violin lessons at age eight, and I took piano and violin simultaneously for a number of years. Pursuing violin as my primary instrument in high school, I was a two-time winner of the Orchestra of Southern Utah Concerto Competition and won Superior ratings at the Utah State Solo and Ensemble Competitions. I went on to study violin in Munich, Germany with Stephan Kirlpal during my senior year in high school as a Rotary International exchange student. I was the concertmaster of the Southern Utah University Symphony during my first three years at university, and I was also a featured soloist as the SUU Concerto Competition winner. I attended the prestigious Meadowmount School of Music in New York, where I picked up the viola. After moving to Seattle, I received a B.A. in violin performance from the University of Washington. I taught private violin lessons to put myself through university. I subsequently managed a private studio, and was also a faculty member of Music Center of the Northwest for over four years. After completing several Suzuki teaching certification and a number of years teaching Suzuki Method, I later became the director of the Suzuki Academy at Music Center of the Northwest. Aside from teaching, I’ve enjoyed performing regularly with string quartets, rock bands, and symphonies.
My students have enjoyed many successes and musical experiences. Several of my students are, or have been, members of esteemed youth symphonies, including the Seattle Youth Symphony, Bellevue Youth Symphony, and Cascade Youth Symphony. Some have held positions such as concert master and section leader in these organisations. My high school students have successfully auditioned for highly competitive state-wide orchestras and competitions, including the Washington All-State Orchestra and Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competition. My students have also participated in intense summer camps and festivals every year.
QUALIFICATIONS
B.A. in Violin Performance, University of Washington
Eight years teaching experience
Formal Suzuki Teacher Training through Book 5 & specialty courses on tone and musicianship, Suzuki Association of the Americas teacher certification
Brisbane Symphony Orchestra, 1st violinist
Freelance performer
Suzuki Music Education Queensland, member
Associations: Suzuki Association of the Americas, member
HOBBIES
Hiking & Backpacking, Cooking, Traveling, Rock Climbing, Experimenting with electronic music and my looping pedal!