About Margaret
Music has been a constant presence in my life for as long as I can remember. I began playing piano at age four, drawn instinctively to its expressive range and emotional depth. When I discovered the cello at eleven, I found my true voice. Its sound—so close to the human voice—felt like a natural extension of something already within me.
That early connection led me into a lifetime of study, performance, and teaching. I studied cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin with Paul Olefsky and continued my graduate work at Indiana University with Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. I also had the privilege of studying at festivals and masterclasses in the United States and Europe, including the Mozarteum in Salzburg, where I worked with many extraordinary musicians who shaped my artistic path.
Today, I am a tenured member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and my performing life has included orchestral, chamber, and solo work, as well as recording projects for film and video game scores. Performing at this level continues to deepen my understanding of sound, expression, and the subtle physical and emotional awareness that music requires.
That early connection led me into a lifetime of study, performance, and teaching. I studied cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin with Paul Olefsky and continued my graduate work at Indiana University with Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. I also had the privilege of studying at festivals and masterclasses in the United States and Europe, including the Mozarteum in Salzburg, where I worked with many extraordinary musicians who shaped my artistic path.
Today, I am a tenured member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and my performing life has included orchestral, chamber, and solo work, as well as recording projects for film and video game scores. Performing at this level continues to deepen my understanding of sound, expression, and the subtle physical and emotional awareness that music requires.
Teaching |
Teaching has always been inseparable from my life as a performer. I began teaching when I was still a teenager, and over the years I have worked with students of all ages—from very young beginners to students entering conservatories to adult musicians rediscovering music later in life. I teach using my framework, Individually Responsive Pedagogy™, an approach that allows each lesson to unfold in response to the individual student. This creates space for students to develop not only technical skill, but confidence, artistic independence, and a genuine personal relationship with music. It is a privilege to guide each student as they discover their own unique musical voice.
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Family |
I am also a mom, and I understand how deeply music can shape a child’s sense of self. My studio is a warm, welcoming space where students are supported as whole people. Our adorable dog is often nearby, enthusiastically greeting students and observing lessons, providing gentle companionship. These small, human elements are part of what makes the studio feel safe, grounded, and alive.
Music has given me a lifelong way to listen, to connect, and to understand the world. Austin is a city with a vibrant musical life, and I am so grateful to be able to contribute to the community both as a performer and as a teacher. 
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