Biography/Educational Philosophy
Music
has always been an integral part of my life. As a child, I was surrounded by
music because both of my parents are musicians; my father was a pianist,
organist, and teacher, and my mother was a vocalist, teacher, and church choir
director. I grew up singing in the church choir, both the youth and adult
choirs, and I played in the hand bell choir as well. I knew once I began
playing the flute in the fifth grade that I would always have music as an
essential part of my being. I have often felt that my flute training has
enhanced my spiritual life as well.
My
appreciation for classical music grew throughout my youth, as I would often
accompany my father to his practice time on Saturday afternoon at church. My
mother conducted the choir, and my father was the organist. My father taught me
about the pieces he was practicing for Sunday morning’s service, and I still
remember more than any flutist probably should about César Franck organ pieces.
Through the exposure to all different types of music, I have developed a wide
interest in varying styles and genres of musical language.
I
believe that my teaching skills have developed from years of learning from my
parents, my teachers and professors, my private instructors, and teaching
myself in a variety of educational settings. I have incorporated a variety of
styles in my own teaching, and I find it essential to adapt one’s teaching
skills to the needs of the individual student. My diverse experiences in
marching band, concert band, symphony orchestra, solo and ensemble vocal
performance, solo flute performance, hand bell choir, and woodwind ensembles
have enabled me to form a well-rounded musical approach to teaching and
learning.
My
educational philosophy includes the belief that each student has an individual
learning style and the ability to learn and process musical language. After
all, music is the universal language. My goals as a teacher and performer are
to explain and convey the language of music, to enhance understanding of its
purpose, and to adapt my teaching style to the ways that individual students
learn. I believe that a musical education should encourage the development of
fine musicians as well as well-rounded human beings.
Following
my studies at Ohio Wesleyan, I earned a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas. While in Texas, I studied flute with Mary Karen
Clardy and Terri Sundberg. Performing in the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
under Dennis Fisher and the acclaimed Eugene Corporon gave me vast experience
in playing a wide variety of musical styles with excellent musicians and
conductors.
At
the University of North Texas, the yearly Conducting Institute and private
lessons with both Mr. Fisher and Mr. Corporon allowed for conducting opportunities
with the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and other wind organizations in the
Dallas and Forth Worth areas. The opportunities I was given at the University
and in the Dallas and Fort Worth communities greatly enhanced my teaching and
performing skills. The opportunities with which I was provided have aided me in
the forming the belief that hands-on experience furthers the development of a
student’s abilities and gives them confidence as performers and teachers.
I
have completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of South
Carolina, under the direction of Dr. Constance Lane, where I taught Applied
Flute, Secondary Flute Class, Music Appreciation, Sight-singing and
Ear-training, and coached woodwind ensembles. Recent recitals affiliated
include a flute and piano recital at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in July
2004 as part of their artist’s concert series, four solo recitals at the University of South Carolina, and performances with
the Augusta Symphony Orchestra.
Following
the completion of my doctorate degree, I chose to complete an Advanced Flute
Certificate at Carnegie Mellon University. I studied under Jeanne Baxtresser,
former principal flute of the New York Philharmonic, and Alberto Almarza. I
completed independent studies in flute pedagogy and performance to enhance my
teaching and performance skills. Though learning by watching veteran teachers
and students of all abilities, I learned to vary my teaching style to
accommodate the learning styles of the student.
I
believe that in order to teach my students a variety of skills and to enrich
their learning environment, being a teacher, performer, researcher, writer and
well-rounded musician is a goal I must meet as well. Through teaching, I learn
a great deal about students, music, life, and the importance of opening young
minds to the world of music. My goal is to guide them to find their path and to
enrich their lives with knowledge and the desire to continue learning.
