Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I am a cellist and teacher based in the Northern New Jersey area and am the Chair of the Cello Department at the Thurnauer School of Music. I had my solo debut in 2008, performing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic after winning first prize in the Virtuoso-in-Progress Concerto Competition. I'm interested in performing a variety of musical genres, and have made appearances at festivals such as the June in Buffalo Performance Institute for new music, the Chautauqua Institute, the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and am an alumna of the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop.

Passionate about pedagogy, I am registered for the complete Suzuki Cello Method by the Suzuki Association of the Americas and was the teaching assistant to Astrid Schween (cellist of the Juilliard String Quartet) at UMass Amherst. During my Doctoral studies, I focused on historical pedagogy: a dissertation and lecture-recital on the French cellist and pedagogue of the late-eighteenth century, Jean-Baptiste Bréval. I am continuing this research by making accessible recordings and scores of his pedagogical works for students.

​

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

Summer is a wonderful time for musical education and LMC offers the perfect environment for young musicians to immerse themselves in music while surrounded by like-minded peers. Everyone is inspired by the passionate energy for learning and the excitement of summertime!

​

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?

My teaching philosophy is based on the balance of refining technique and developing a student's sense of musicianship. In lessons, we will work on practicing efficiently and learn strategies to become self-assured when tackling a difficult passage, continue building a strong foundation for technique, and develop a student's voice on the cello. I believe in a nurturing and supportive teaching approach that helps a student to feel comfortable in an environment like a summer camp.

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I live in New York City, where I am head of the chamber music program and cello department at Silver Music and am also faculty at the Diller Quaile School of Music. I began studying piano, but immediately fell in love with the sound of the cello. Since then, I have participated in many international chamber music festivals including Ravinia (USA), Ameropa (Prague), Lake Lugano (Switzerland), Dark Music Days (Iceland) and I have collaborated and studied with chamber musicians including members of the Vermeer, Martinu and Juilliard String Quartets. 

​

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

I remember going to chamber music camp as a young teenager. The musicians and teachers I met there have become lifelong friends. I was so motivated coming home from camp and counting the days until I would return! I'm excited to be a part of that community again. The program at Luzerne includes everything needed to provide a rich, musical summer! 

​

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?

I focus on giving students the tools needed to become confident in the practice room. I will help them learn to take apart difficult sections and choose ways to effectively work on it. Equally important, I will help them find ownership of the music by bringing their personal experiences and feelings into the piece! 

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

Alongside my active performing career as an orchestral and chamber musician (Assistant principal, Washington Chamber Orchestra; a substitute principal/assistant principal, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra; a founding member of contemporary group Ensemble Evolve), I have been an adjunct faculty at Ocean County College since 2020. 

 

My belief in the equal opportunity for musical education across all backgrounds led me to serve as a teaching artist at the Paterson Music Project and New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, El Sistema-inspired programs. Also as a cello/chamber music instructor at the Berkshire High Peaks Music Festival, I have worked with students from North America, Asia, and Europe and also performed with the distinguished colleagues from Boston University, Peabody Conservatory, Mannes School, Conservatoire Royal de Musique, and Conservatory Royal De Liège. 

 

After my successful debut at Weill Recital Hall in 2016 in New York City, I returned to the Isaac Stern Auditorium, collaborating with International Solo Guitarist from Serbia, Nemanja Bogunovic. My recent career highlights include my debut recital and a chamber music concert with Ensemble Evolve at the Seoul Arts Center in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Further chamber music experience includes Dante Deo Trio founded at the Eastman School of Music in 2012 and collaborations with members of prestigious ensembles such as Ying, American, Shanghai, Ariel, and Cavani quartets. 

 

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

Nature is the greatest source of inspiration. Just as my time in Bowdoin International Music Festival gave me lifelong friends to collaborate, the beautiful environment at LMC will inspire students to communicate with integrity and dignity—the very qualities I am hoping to hone for myself and share with the students through music. I am energized by the prospect of working with the next generation of artists and witnessing their growths this summer. 

 

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?​

I hope to help students find joy in looking deeper into the music they are learning, and have a better time performing them. A tailored journey for each student separately will lead them to discover their own voice to reflect their true character and creativity. I believe that secure technique is a key to successful delivery of their studies to the audience. Students will work on their technical problems, have an opportunity to ask questions in regards to music and/or life, and explore sight reading, theory, ear training, and educational/innovative repertoires.