I became a music teacher because music allows me to be wholly present in the moment. I’ve kept a small teaching studio since my sophomore year at Hofstra University where I earned my B.S. in Music Education. After I was laid off from my office job at the end of 2018, I decided to expand my studio and forgo the day job. It was the best decision I've ever made.
As a classically trained vocalist and violinist, I've performed with orchestras, chamber groups, and as a soloist. I currently perform with the Bennington County Choral Society, rehearse with a string trio, and perform at events and weddings.
Music came to me early and naturally. My mom loves to tell the story of the first time she heard me sing, and, honestly, I love to hear it. When I was around two years old, I still wasn’t talking much. I was my parent’s third and final child, so at this point, they knew I should be talking more. Turns out I had fluid stuck in my ears and couldn’t hear well. It’s not an unusual story – a lot of children have fluid in their ears and get tubes put in for drainage. (Sorry for the graphic details.) So, my parents scheduled the surgery, all went well, and they took me home. Apparently, that night the family was watching TV and the Jackson 5’s ABC was playing. Little me with her curls and doofy smile got up and started dancing and singing along. My mom cried – I had never done this before because I could never hear the music.
We’ve all got childhood stories that build the foundations of our identities. This one, plus a few others, is part of mine.
Music brings me joy and is my most natural form of expression.
That’s why I teach, and it’s why I perform. I want to share the joy I felt as a toddler when I finally got to dance and sing along.