Teaching Background

I have been teaching Music Composition privately, actively since 2017 and teach Music Theory and Composition at Michigan State University since 2018. I have had four different students participate in the Seattle Symphony Young Composer Workshop, and many of my students are currently getting ready for university music programs. I teach either in my home in the East Lansing, MI area, or via Zoom. I have been teaching this way before Covid-19, which has allowed me to maintain my studio with my students who live in the Seattle area. I have a Masters in Music Composition, and I have 2 years left of a doctorate in composition. I was chosen as the MSU Composition Studio Graduate assistant for the 2019-2020 academic school year, where I maintained a studio of 10. In the fall I will be teaching 20th-century music theory, and in the spring I will be teaching Music Theory for non-majors. Whether you need a Composition or Theory instructor, I have the experience and passion to help you reach your goals.

Teaching Philosophy

When it comes to teaching, my philosophy is one of an individualized instructional approach. Particularly when it comes to composing, each student is going to have different backgrounds, needs, styles, and goals. There isn’t one technique that works for every student. I provide students with tools and figure out which technique is the best for their creative process.

I ask my students to do a lot of listening, and I am very open-minded to the types of projects they take on. I also try to act as a mentor for any career planning, so that if college music is the goal, we will make sure that they have the necessary portfolio, and that their school list reflects their interest and goals. I also believe that students who compose but do not have the work performed are missing a fundamental piece of knowledge, which is why I advise my students to pick projects with a high likelihood of performance (and how to find said performances).

Rates

Generally speaking, I charge 60$ for a 1-hour lesson. That said, I am happy to offer pay what you can lesson rates. I do not feel like someone's inability to pay should affect their goals if music is something that the student would like to pursue. I also offer semester rates which save you money in the long run. Typically speaking I prefer weekly one hour lessons that ask the student to take a growth mindset. While not every student who studies with me has the goal of a professional music career, I will help guide your student to make the right choice for their own life goals.

Student Success

I have a number of students that have been selected for local and national calls for scores, competitions, residencies and workshop. Three students have participated in the Seattle Symphony Young Composers Workshop or two separate students have been selected as runner ups for the Sinta Quartet National Composition Composition. Finally I have had multiple student been accepted to various undergraduate and graduate programs. My goal is to help you reaching your growth, taking a growth mindset approach