Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I am an active freelance musician and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. I joined Calliope Brass in 2022 and we have commissioned, premiered and recorded new music, performed interactive educational programs for students of all ages, and produced free concerts in NYC. I teach tuba and euphonium lessons at the Kutztown University and beginner brass at Grace Church School. I have performed internationally in Uruguay, China, and Spain and love to travel with and without my tuba. Recent performance highlights include performing with Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Athena Brass Band, and in the pit orchestra of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

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What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

I look forward to meeting the students and faculty, sharing and making music together! I love to perform and teach chamber music and am thrilled to be able to do both this summer. I also can't wait to spend time outdoors in the Adirondacks.

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

Campers will learn how to build a solid technical foundation on their instrument so they may best express themselves musically. In small and large ensembles, they will learn to work together by leading and following and sharing. In lessons, I adapt instruction and goals to my students' interests and priorities while also introducing them to the wide and wonderful world of music.

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I am the Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Ithaca College and perform regularly as an international tuba soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral tubist. I am a founding member of The Northern Lights Duo, a tuba/euphonium duo with Bente Illevold (euphonium, Norway) and we have toured in Norway, Spain, Germany, and throughout the United States. I have performed as a soloist and served as a clinician in Hong Kong, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Israel, and across the US. Recently, I have had the honor of performing as a soloist with the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Concert Band and look forward to future concerto performances with other bands and orchestras. I also enjoy performing with orchestras and play tuba with Symphoria: The Orchestra of Central New York and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. You can find both my solo album Winding Pathway and The Northern Lights Duo’s album Atlantic Passages available for purchase or streaming on many platforms. I also serve as an International Willson Tuba Artist and perform exclusively on Willson tubas.

 

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

I am looking forward to my first summer of teaching with LMC in 2024. My favorite environments as a teacher are with small groups or one-on-one – and Luzerne is focused on that exact style of teaching! Beyond the opportunity to work on chamber music and brass playing with excited students, I am also really looking forward to collaborating and performing with the amazing faculty at LMC.

 

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

The most important thing in my teaching is to help students identify when things are going well! Campers can expect me to help them chase their success in our sessions, and to help them explore their musical curiosity. We will work hard together, celebrate triumphs, and push through challenges with focus and uplifting support. My mission is to help campers understand more than just the “how,” but also the “why” behind musicianship, growth, and performance.