Philosophy
It is truly a rewarding experience to watch people learn and grow and discover something new. Music was always a way for me to express things I couldn't express in other ways when I was growing up, and I want to give that gift of freedom and self-expression through music to my students.
My passion for teaching started when I was in Panama working with youth and adults. I vividly recall the day I was able to teach one of the boys in my class the downbeat. After weeks of struggling, when he finally got it, everyone in the class was so excited and he was so proud. I realized how much joy there is in that moment when things just "click" for my students.
I see myself as both a teacher and a coach. My ultimate goal is that each person I work with finds their joy in self-expression through music. When working with children, I want to bring out the fun by fostering their inner curiosity when exploring music and guiding them to use their imagination. I always highlight what is working, focusing on positive reinforcement. When working with adults, when I see they really want something I empower them to reach their goals and overcome whatever is stopping them.
My passion for teaching started when I was in Panama working with youth and adults. I vividly recall the day I was able to teach one of the boys in my class the downbeat. After weeks of struggling, when he finally got it, everyone in the class was so excited and he was so proud. I realized how much joy there is in that moment when things just "click" for my students.
I see myself as both a teacher and a coach. My ultimate goal is that each person I work with finds their joy in self-expression through music. When working with children, I want to bring out the fun by fostering their inner curiosity when exploring music and guiding them to use their imagination. I always highlight what is working, focusing on positive reinforcement. When working with adults, when I see they really want something I empower them to reach their goals and overcome whatever is stopping them.
Experience
- Graduated with a BA in Church Music from Concordia University of Wisconsin
- Created a music program in Panama City, Panama teaching private and group lessons to adults and children in seven locations
- Graduated with a Masters of Education from City College New York
- Worked as a NYC Teaching Fellow in the Bronx as a bilingual special education teacher in the NYC public school system
- Taught as an early childhood music educator with children ages 0-4 years old with Hands On for Music in NYC
- Taught Music lessons in English at Berlin International schools BIS and ISVA with the Internationale Musikschule - Berlin