
REDBIRD
cello studio

Instruction
I believe that everyone can learn to play and enjoy music. I assess each person as an individual to help them find their strength, creativity and expression. I love helping students find their voice and freedom through music. I am happy to meet students where they are and tailor lessons to students individual needs and goals.
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Ear training begins during the first lesson and every lesson to follow. I believe the most important thing in string playing is a finely tuned ear and healthy technique. It's essential that students play in a way that will maintain the health of their bodies and minds.
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I offer the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music exam program, an international standard of music education. Students can take a music theory and/or a practical examination appropriate to their level at the end of each school year, graduating to the next level of musicianship with a mark and certificate.
Each lesson is individualized to the needs of the student. I am experienced working with people who have barriers to learning due to mental, emotional or physical difficulties. Please let me know if special accommodations are required. I'd like to help students learn to the best of their ability.
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Students use retrieval skills in their practice time with the use of online tools through the student portal. Students check lesson notes, play games, listen to playlists, solve music theory puzzles and clap or play along with personally tailored videos for use at home.

Performance
I love playing my cello for others and experience great joy in the many musical relationships that I have in the Charlottesville music community. Thanks to those relationships, I regularly play with string quartet, trio and duo groups playing in the Charlottesville and Richmond area and would love to play for you at your next event.
Background
I earned a B.A. in Music with a concentration in cello performance at Kutztown University where I studied with Dr. Marie-Aline Cadieux. I studied chamber music under Maria Asteriadou of Manhattan School of Music, and Kurt Nikannen, concertmaster of the New York Ballet, and Dr. Mary Ogletree, each at Kutztown University.
A Pennsylvania native, I began my teaching career at Fleetwood Middle School summer launch program and at Nazareth Music Center. My Charlottesville music teaching career began in 2011 at the Music Education Center before setting up my independent studio in 2016. I had a lot of fun playing in pit orchestras, and have played many musicals with Pocono Live Arts, Genesius Theater (Reading, PA), and Charlottesville Opera as well as local school productions. I have also enjoyed playing in local symphonies such as Waynesboro and Shenandoah.
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I am a member of Melodious Strings., an award-winning wedding vendor. I recorded a live Celtic Christmas album while on tour in the DC area, Pittsburgh, Ohio, Philadelphia, and Charlottesville. I was the teaching assistant with Albemarle HS, Jack Jouett MS, and Sutherland MS orchestras from 2016-2021.
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New to Richmond, I've been enjoying all the trails and river activities the area has to offer. I spend my days with my roommates, Bongo and Gomez, who are vocal, snuggly, sweet Siamese mixes. I am a bird watcher, beginner vocalist, amateur cook and an avid audiobook listener. I enjoy yoga and weight lifting, bluegrass and soul, Bach and Bartok and all the in-betweens.