Teaching Philosophy
I offer highly individualized instruction in cello and piano for students of all ages and levels in a supportive and thoughtfully guided environment.
A Lifelong Connection to Music
Music has been a constant in my life since early childhood. I began playing piano at age four, discovered the cello at eleven, and started teaching while still a teenager. I studied cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin and continued my graduate studies at Indiana University.
Today, I am a tenured member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and have performed internationally as an orchestral, chamber, and recording musician. Music has immeasurably expanded my world, and it is a privilege to share that experience with my students.
Individually Responsive Pedagogy™
I teach using my framework, Individually Responsive Pedagogy™, an approach in which each lesson is shaped around the individual student. Each student receives a strong technical and musical foundation, while lessons remain flexible and responsive to their unique learning style, interests, and goals. This allows students to develop not only technical skill, but confidence, independence, and a lasting connection to music.
A Thoughtful and Individual Approach
Music should feel like a natural and meaningful part of life. As I get to know each student, I help them integrate playing into their daily routine in a way that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of repertoire, from classical works to music that resonates with them personally. When students feel connected to the music they are playing, motivation and growth follow naturally.
Supporting Each Student’s Goals
I work with students of all ages and levels, including:
A Supportive and Inspiring Environment
My studio is a warm, welcoming space where students are supported as individuals. Lessons are designed to foster technical excellence, artistic growth, and a lifelong relationship with music.
It is a privilege to guide each student as they discover their own unique musical voice.
A Lifelong Connection to Music
Music has been a constant in my life since early childhood. I began playing piano at age four, discovered the cello at eleven, and started teaching while still a teenager. I studied cello performance at the University of Texas at Austin and continued my graduate studies at Indiana University.
Today, I am a tenured member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and have performed internationally as an orchestral, chamber, and recording musician. Music has immeasurably expanded my world, and it is a privilege to share that experience with my students.
Individually Responsive Pedagogy™
I teach using my framework, Individually Responsive Pedagogy™, an approach in which each lesson is shaped around the individual student. Each student receives a strong technical and musical foundation, while lessons remain flexible and responsive to their unique learning style, interests, and goals. This allows students to develop not only technical skill, but confidence, independence, and a lasting connection to music.
A Thoughtful and Individual Approach
Music should feel like a natural and meaningful part of life. As I get to know each student, I help them integrate playing into their daily routine in a way that feels sustainable and rewarding.
Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of repertoire, from classical works to music that resonates with them personally. When students feel connected to the music they are playing, motivation and growth follow naturally.
Supporting Each Student’s Goals
I work with students of all ages and levels, including:
- Beginning students building foundational skills
- Intermediate and advanced students refining technique and repertoire
- Adult students returning to music or starting for the first time
- Students preparing for auditions, competitions, and examinations
A Supportive and Inspiring Environment
My studio is a warm, welcoming space where students are supported as individuals. Lessons are designed to foster technical excellence, artistic growth, and a lifelong relationship with music.
It is a privilege to guide each student as they discover their own unique musical voice.
Studio Policies
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Clear studio policies help create a stable and supportive environment for every student and allow lessons to run smoothly and effectively.
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Supplies
What do you bring to each lesson and what do you need at home?
FOR LESSONS:
All students: bring your assignment notebook (spiral) and your music books.
Cello students: in addition, bring your cello, bow and rockstop.
Each student will receive an assignment notebook at their first lesson if they don't have one. This notebook is an important part of tracking assignments, progress, and goals. Music books may be purchased through me if available, or through local music stores such as Strait Music or other reputable retailers.
AT HOME:
Cello students need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washcloth works well for this), rockstop (I prefer one called a black hole), metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. In addition, some soft lead pencils with eraser would be very helpful so they can make markings in music. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable! I highly recommend WESTBANK STRINGS for your needs. BLACKERBY VIOLIN SHOP is also extremely good. Please use one of these two shops to ensure quality instruments and service.
Piano students need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Studio Expectations
Students are expected to:
• Bring required materials to each lesson
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage thoughtfully
• Practice regularly, with expectations tailored to each student
• Submit tuition by the beginning of each month
For health and safety, please do not attend in-person lessons if the student is ill. Zoom lessons are available during the student's regular time, including on short notice. Please see the Make-Up Lessons section for additional lesson options.
FOR LESSONS:
All students: bring your assignment notebook (spiral) and your music books.
Cello students: in addition, bring your cello, bow and rockstop.
Each student will receive an assignment notebook at their first lesson if they don't have one. This notebook is an important part of tracking assignments, progress, and goals. Music books may be purchased through me if available, or through local music stores such as Strait Music or other reputable retailers.
AT HOME:
Cello students need a cello in good condition, strings, rosin, bow, case, a soft cloth that remains in the case (an unused and dry washcloth works well for this), rockstop (I prefer one called a black hole), metronome, music stand and a “cello chair” - this will vary depending on student’s height. In addition, some soft lead pencils with eraser would be very helpful so they can make markings in music. Depending on a variety of circumstances, strings may need to be purchased during the year and the bow will likely need to be repaired. Students need to have a cello to practice at home - if they're lucky enough to have a school orchestra, please ensure that they can bring the instrument home to practice or have another instrument available to them. It's better to play the same one consistently but we can be adaptable! I highly recommend WESTBANK STRINGS for your needs. BLACKERBY VIOLIN SHOP is also extremely good. Please use one of these two shops to ensure quality instruments and service.
Piano students need to have a weighted full size keyboard (like a Roland) or a traditional piano that is regularly tuned and a metronome. You can use a simple app for a metronome, but I find that the volume is sometimes a problem with that so an actual physical metronome is better. I recommend creating a practice zone that will allow for peaceful practice with all your required tools easily at hand.
Studio Expectations
Students are expected to:
• Bring required materials to each lesson
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage thoughtfully
• Practice regularly, with expectations tailored to each student
• Submit tuition by the beginning of each month
For health and safety, please do not attend in-person lessons if the student is ill. Zoom lessons are available during the student's regular time, including on short notice. Please see the Make-Up Lessons section for additional lesson options.
Tuition
September-May tuition is based on 35 instructional weeks during the school year.
For 2026-2027 the tuition schedule for students beginning in September is as follows:
30-minute weekly lesson - $214/month
45-minute weekly lesson - $321/month
60-minute weekly lesson - $428/month
Students who begin after the start of September will have a prorated tuition amount based on the number of instructional weeks in the school year. Adults are taught on a more "a la carte" schedule as long as lessons times are before or after those "after-school hours" that are so coveted!
For students who begin during the summer, I'm more than happy to work around summer camps and vacations!
** Please note that if a student decides to leave the studio, there is a 30 day notice required and tuition will be calculated to ensure that all lessons received have been paid for.
Summer Lessons
Continuing lessons during the summer helps maintain progress and consistency and these are scheduled on a more flexible basis. If you have lessons you have to miss because of travel or camps, that is perfectly fine! If you can only make certain dates during the summer for "touch-base" lessons, that's perfectly fine too! It's not ideal to miss an entire summer as a lot can be lost technically so if you're able to, please continue lessons during the summer! We can do Zoom lessons if you're traveling and have access to an instrument. Tuition is due by the beginning of the month for the coming month and we will count how many lessons you're able to come to and be charged accordingly. Students who take a minimum of six lessons during summer will receive priority for school year scheduling.
2026-2027 School year Information
The school year includes 35 lessons, scheduled across the academic calendar. Tuition is divided evenly into monthly payments to provide consistency for families.
Some months may include more lessons than others, but tuition remains the same each month as it reflects the full academic year.
Additional details and scheduling information are provided upon enrollment.
Important dates for 2026-2027
September 1 - Fall lessons start!
Nov 23-29 - Thanksgiving break - no lessons
December 21 - January 3 - Winter break - no lessons
March 15-21 - Spring Break - no lessons
Spring Recital TBD
May 31 - last day of lessons for the school year
June 1 - Summer lessons begin!
For 2026-2027 the tuition schedule for students beginning in September is as follows:
30-minute weekly lesson - $214/month
45-minute weekly lesson - $321/month
60-minute weekly lesson - $428/month
Students who begin after the start of September will have a prorated tuition amount based on the number of instructional weeks in the school year. Adults are taught on a more "a la carte" schedule as long as lessons times are before or after those "after-school hours" that are so coveted!
For students who begin during the summer, I'm more than happy to work around summer camps and vacations!
** Please note that if a student decides to leave the studio, there is a 30 day notice required and tuition will be calculated to ensure that all lessons received have been paid for.
Summer Lessons
Continuing lessons during the summer helps maintain progress and consistency and these are scheduled on a more flexible basis. If you have lessons you have to miss because of travel or camps, that is perfectly fine! If you can only make certain dates during the summer for "touch-base" lessons, that's perfectly fine too! It's not ideal to miss an entire summer as a lot can be lost technically so if you're able to, please continue lessons during the summer! We can do Zoom lessons if you're traveling and have access to an instrument. Tuition is due by the beginning of the month for the coming month and we will count how many lessons you're able to come to and be charged accordingly. Students who take a minimum of six lessons during summer will receive priority for school year scheduling.
2026-2027 School year Information
The school year includes 35 lessons, scheduled across the academic calendar. Tuition is divided evenly into monthly payments to provide consistency for families.
Some months may include more lessons than others, but tuition remains the same each month as it reflects the full academic year.
Additional details and scheduling information are provided upon enrollment.
Important dates for 2026-2027
September 1 - Fall lessons start!
Nov 23-29 - Thanksgiving break - no lessons
December 21 - January 3 - Winter break - no lessons
March 15-21 - Spring Break - no lessons
Spring Recital TBD
May 31 - last day of lessons for the school year
June 1 - Summer lessons begin!
About Practicing...
Part of playing an instrument is regular practice time - and a critical component of that is learning HOW to practice (or, as I like to call it, "train"). There will be days that students are excited to play and days that they greet the prospect as enthusiastically as taking out the garbage - however, it is crucial that we work as a team to support the student's progress and help motivate them. I use positive motivation tools, including stickers and other fun incentives. I will ask the student to keep track of the time they have practiced - it is far better for them to do 15 minutes a day than an hour and a half in one session of "crash practicing". I fully understand the demands on school kids and will be flexible with my expectations by reducing minimum practice requirements during academically challenging weeks. Ultimately, we will develop goals for each student and they will learn to take responsibility for achieving them. As Yoda says, "do or do not...there is no try".
Make-Ups and Lesson Options
PLEASE READ: This policy is different from previous years.
Any lesson that I have to reschedule will be made up and I may make up those lessons in advance when I know about my conflict ahead of time. I am an active performer and I receive offers of concerts and shows throughout the year, so this will inevitably happen!This year I am offering Zoom lessons in your regular time slot as an option if a student is too sick to come to a lesson in person, a parent is sick, or if you’re traveling. An instrument isn’t even required - we can do music history, music theory and so much more even without an instrument in hand.
Zoom does not require 24 hours’ notice. Just let me know as soon as you can before the lesson so I have a few minutes to set everything up. A Zoom lesson is considered the student’s regularly scheduled lesson.
For lessons that will otherwise be missed, the following options are available:
There are no reductions, refunds or credits in tuition for missed lessons, and missed lessons will not be deducted from a future month’s tuition. The same cancellation and notice policies apply to any make-up lesson that has been scheduled.
Any lesson that I have to reschedule will be made up and I may make up those lessons in advance when I know about my conflict ahead of time. I am an active performer and I receive offers of concerts and shows throughout the year, so this will inevitably happen!This year I am offering Zoom lessons in your regular time slot as an option if a student is too sick to come to a lesson in person, a parent is sick, or if you’re traveling. An instrument isn’t even required - we can do music history, music theory and so much more even without an instrument in hand.
Zoom does not require 24 hours’ notice. Just let me know as soon as you can before the lesson so I have a few minutes to set everything up. A Zoom lesson is considered the student’s regularly scheduled lesson.
For lessons that will otherwise be missed, the following options are available:
- With a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, you may swap a lesson with another student. YOU will arrange this. I will provide a list of contact information for all parents who wish to participate in this option along with the relevant schedule, and if you are able to arrange a lesson swap, please inform me and we can do that.
- With a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, you may choose an asynchronous lesson. If you know there’s a conflict with an upcoming lesson, have your child submit a recording to me PRIOR to their scheduled lesson and I will provide either video or written feedback. For a 30-minute time slot, submit up to ten minutes of prepared materials, for a 45-minute time slot, submit up to 15 minutes of prepared materials and for a 60-minute time slot, submit up to 20 minutes of prepared materials.
- For emergencies without notice that qualify for this exception (sudden illness when the student is too sick for Zoom or a family emergency), you may submit a recording as listed under #2 within one week of the missed lesson or I can add your name to a makeup list for slots as they become available. This is available for a maximum of TWO lessons per student over the school year. PLEASE NOTE that these make-ups are NOT guaranteed and are only offered if a time slot becomes available. A make-up lesson can only be scheduled once, so if a make-up is scheduled in an open slot and the student is unable to attend, that lesson cannot be rescheduled again.
There are no reductions, refunds or credits in tuition for missed lessons, and missed lessons will not be deducted from a future month’s tuition. The same cancellation and notice policies apply to any make-up lesson that has been scheduled.
Recitals
Performance is an important part of the musical experience - why keep the joy to yourself?! For in-person students we will have recitals at least twice a year - some may be in retirement or care homes, others may be in churches or performance spaces - we will create this together! If you have a favorite place you like to play, let me know and I'll make it happen!
NOTE: Students may begin lessons at any point during the year. The most important step is simply getting started!
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