Education
- Doctorate of Music Arts in Music Education, Shenandoah University
Dissertation titled “College Instrumental Ensemble Participation Rates: A Study of Participants and Non-Participants at a Liberal Arts College”
- Master of Music in Conducting, Carnegie Mellon University
Full tuition fellowship for study with CMU choirs, orchestra, wind ensemble, musical theater, and opera programs
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Grove City College
Voice and violin concentration
Areas of Research
- Recruiting and retention
- Curriculum and instruction
- Conducting
Courses
I teach orchestra (symphonic and chamber), conducting courses, and string methods and coach small ensembles. I also conduct student teacher observations and practicum. My 10 years of public school teaching experience drives me to share practical approaches with our current student teachers. Additionally, I am the audition coordinator for the Department of Music, overseeing all communications with high school students interested in music at Grove City College.
What is the most important piece of advice you give students to help them succeed?
Be passionate about life and your career and do not try to copy anyone else. Create your own opportunities.
Additional Experience
I am currently the orchestra content representative for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) as well as the collegiate orchestra representative for the Pennsylvania-Delaware String Teachers Association (PADESTA). Both positions include curricular and professional development responsibilities as well as conference planning for Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2017 I was awarded the Orchestra Director of the Year Award by PADESTA, and in 2010-11, I was named Teacher of the Year for the Williamsport Area High School.
I currently perform with the Butler County Symphony and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra as a violinist. From 2003 to 2011, I was a member of the award-winning faculty in the Williamsport Area School District for the NAMM Foundation “Top Communities for Music Education.” I have also served as the music director and conductor for the Williamsport Chamber Choir and Orchestra, the conductor of the Williamsport Symphony Youth Orchestra, the assistant conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, and the choral assistant for Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pops.