I grew up with a musical family in Central Oregon and started playing guitar at 13 years old. I was originally inspired to play guitar due to my interest in alternative rock and grunge rock bands of the 90’s, like Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Green Day. As a teenager, I was able to learn more about playing music and able to practice performing while playing music with family and friends. I started performing after high school and throughout college. I took music theory and musicianship classes for two years, and I completed four years of collegiate level guitar lessons. I began to use that knowledge by playing some jazz and joining the jazz combo class. I also took piano and voice classes in college. I completed college with a master’s degree in education and am currently a licensed teacher.

 I have performed with multiple musical acts, including playing classic rock and blues and playing acoustic shows as a singer/songwriter. I have performed for over 15 years, and I have been giving music lessons for over ten years. I have played small gatherings with just a few people and opened for national acts. I currently perform guitars, keys, and vocals with the band “Sagebrush Rock.”

 For lessons, I use a student-centered approach that helps students to learn how to learn songs on their own and to take over more responsibility in learning songs as they progress. I frequently check for understanding, and I use an experiential learning point of view that gets students reading music and playing songs. I am always looking to perfect my musical abilities and teaching skills, and I am constantly refining my approach to teaching.