Education
- Bachelor of Music, Youngstown State University
Performance Experience
- Woodwind doubling in Broadway musicals
- Classical and jazz saxophone
- Classical clarinet
- Classical flute
What is the most important piece of advice you give students to help them succeed?
One of the most important pieces of advice is to believe in yourself and your ability. Most music students come to music school because they love music and are in awe of professional players but have the misconception that they themselves could never rise to such a level.
This mindset tends to hold them to a level they feel comfortable with, and they never achieve their full potential simply because they themselves have put a limit on it. It is very important to have an open mind - a mind that is open to all possibilities and limitless potential.
I also always explain every concept I teach very clearly. I think it is very important for students to understand why we do things a certain way. When it comes to believing in oneself, of rising to the level of virtuosity, we often think that the fear of failure is what holds us back. But I also believe that many of us have a fear of success! With success comes responsibility, and many of us don’t feel comfortable with that. We all need to be open to, and in fact willing to step out of our comfort zone. We must allow ourselves the freedom to achieve at a high level!
Additional Experience
I am a freelance professional musician, specializing in woodwind doubling, and I perform with many of the big Broadway musicals. Recent credits include performing with the national tours of Wicked, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly (with Betty Buckley), Newsies, Book of Mormon, Something Rotten, and The Producers.
I have performed with many well-known talents, some of who include Tony Bennett, Franky Valli, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Nancy Wilson.