I began my love for music at a young age, beginning piano lessons at age 5 with my mother as my teacher. It soon became evident that we were not going to survive motherhood/childhood with this arrangement, so she found a teacher to take me on. I learned most of my technique and style from that teacher and from my mother, who is a wonderful musician and pianist.
After taking piano lessons all through elementary school and junior high, I began playing the flute in 9th grade and truly found my language of music. I spent my schooling years pursuing as much music as I could get: band, choir, piano lessons, church music groups, and even playing as a family. There were lots of competitions, recitals, performances, groups, ensembles, and opportunities.
In High School, I decided to become a music educator and pursued my degree from the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I studied hard and participated in every performing ensemble offered by the school. In 1996 I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal and Instrumental K-12 education. During my time at USF, I was able to gain a few students through their Preparatory School of Music and therefore began my studio teaching career.
The following school year I was hired by Harrison School District No.2 in Colorado Springs, CO as an elementary music teacher. I taught at two schools every day: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. I had about 250 students at the morning school and around 500 at the afternoon school. It was always my goal to make sure all students were able to read music by the end of 1st grade, play and respond to music by the end of 3rd grade, and write and perform music by the end of 5th grade. I believed that it was my responsibility to equip those kids so they would be able to make a decision to pursue music in the upper grades and beyond if they wanted to. I wanted to make sure they had all the tools they needed to enjoy band or choir for as long as they wanted. While I taught public school music, I also gained numerous private students and enjoyed teaching in my home.
In June of 2000, I left the public school system and entered full-time music ministry. This was always a passion of mine and God truly directed my steps to make it possible. I joined the ministry staff at Highland Park Baptist Church in Colorado Springs and continued to teach in my home as well. God changed my path again and led me to Montrose, Colorado at the end of 2004. I launched a preschool through First Baptist Church and worked there for 2 years.
I continued teaching in my home as students needed and found a true love for the families I worked with. In 2008, I joined the staff at Montrose Christian Church as Music Director. I have been blessed to be able to teach both from my home and from my office, which is now where all my lessons are held. It is such a blessing to be trusted by parents to pour into their kids and share with them my love for music. It brings me such joy and pride to see students learn new things and attempt new skills.