About the Artist

Born and raised in Lake Lure, North Carolina, I have 17 years of experience working in several musical environments as a teacher, performer, and administrator.

I attended the Peabody Music Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where I studied viola performance under Choong-Jin Chang. Locally, I perform regularly as principal violist of the Hendersonville Symphony, with positions in the Asheville Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Brevard Philharmonic, and Spartanburg Philharmonic. I am an avid chamber musician and devoted teacher, with experience as a faculty member and chamber music coach with the Asheville Academy for the Arts.

I have held leadership positions throughout my orchestral career and have participated and placed in several solo competitions. Having experience in both the Suzuki method and traditional styles of teaching, with a heavy emphasis on ear training and performance preparation, I create an individualized curriculum for my violin and viola students to meet and surpass their musical aspirations.

MY STORY

I started playing viola when I was 4 years old. I studied under Julliard graduate Jan Daugherty. I was homeschooled and took lessons at the local library every week.

I joined the Carolina Youth Symphony when I was 7 years old. Since then, I have been in the viola section of the Brevard Philharmonic, Hendersonville Symphony, Asheville Symphony, and Peabody Institute Large Ensembles.

As a soloist, I have placed in several concerto competitions and won a full scholarship to attend the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University when I was 15 years old

I was a founding member of the Western Music Academy Premier String Quartet, Poco String Quartet at Peabody Conservatory, and I participated in several chamber music ensembles in my time at summer music programs and conservatory.