About Me
My Background
I grew up in Alaska, and have played music since the age of eight. I completed all of the SAA Suzuki levels for violin, and viola, and am currently working on finishing the Early Childhood Education levels. I have been a Suzuki teacher for over 25 years, working with pre-natal through adult students. I have played with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, the Juneau Symphony, the Anchorage Civic Orchestra, the Anchorage Concert Chorus, the Anchorage Chamber Choir, and the Anchorage Opera among others. I am the founder of the Violaska chamber group, the Chameleon Ensemble, and the current Director of the Southcentral Alaska Suzuki Association (SASA). I am active with the Alaska Brain Injury Coalition (ABIC) as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and I have a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona, and a School Psychology (Psy.S.) degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
My Philosophy
I believe strongly that music can change the world. Music is a vehicle that teaches each child valuable skills to be able to do well in life and in our society. They learn patience, taking turns, listening, sharing, working together, joy and pride in their work along with all of the many other music skills that come with learning an instrument. Music is a whole brain activity and it helps students (and adults) do better in school or work and in cognitive activities in life. I believe music lessons should proceed at the pace of the student, and some students need more time than others, but EVERYONE can learn.