Bio
I am a Professor of Music at Northern Michigan University. As the sole string specialist in the Department of Music, I teach string pedagogy, coach string chamber ensembles, and provide lessons on violin and viola. I also teach orchestral conducting, music literature, and direct the NMU Symphony Orchestra.
Education
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B. M. Loyola Marymount University
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M. M. Bowling Green State University
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D. A. Ball State University
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Orchestral Conducting​
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Violin Performance
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Professional Activities and Awards
Conductor, Northern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra (1997-present)
Associate Concertmaster, Marquette Symphony Orchestra (1997-2023)
Concertmaster, Marquette Symphony Orchestra (various Christmas Concerts and collaborations with the Marquette Choral Society)
Violinist, Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (1997-present)
Concertmaster, Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (February, 2021)
Violinist, Pine Mountain Music Festival Orchestra
Conductor, Easter Central Indian Youth Orchestra (1995-1996)
Conductor, Upper Peninsula Youth Orchestra (1999-2014)
Guest Conductor, Marquette Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble Coach, Upper Peninsula Chamber Festival
Adjudicator, Michigan State Solo and Ensemble (1998-2022)
Conductor, Wisconsin State Music Association Honors Orchestra (2022)
Fiddle player and vocalist, Knockabouts U. P. (Irish Band)
"Rosie", Forest Robert's Theatre production of Mamma Mia (2019)
Co-composer of incidental music for "Above the Timberline" by
Gregory Manchess (2021)
Arts Educator of the Year Award, Office of Arts and Culture, Marquette, Michigan (2022)
Excellence in Education Influential Educator, Grow and Lead-Community Youth and Development/Marquette (2020)
Best Supporting Actress, Marquette Area Theatre Award Ceremony sponsored by Superior Arts Youth Theatre (2019)
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Memberships:
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American String Teachers Association
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College Orchestra Director’s Association.
Photo Credit: Audrey Hantz
Teaching is learning about what each student needs and desires. I believe teachers should foster students' own inherent ability to explore themselves through music. Practicing music is practicing life. It only gets better.