“How can I keep from singing?”

I still have a distinct memory of my first ever choir rehearsal. I was six years old and had just joined the Wyoming Valley Children’s Chorus in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It was a half hour from home, but it had been highly recommended by my school music teacher that I join a choir, so we made that drive for the next twelve years. I had always loved singing, but singing in an ensemble was the first time I felt true belonging. Even at six, I knew it was something special.

Choirs, communal singing, and piano have maintained a space in my life ever since. Throughout my collegiate and professional life, I have always been in, in front of, or working behind the scenes of a choir or teaching. I received a BME with a choral emphasis from the Schreyer Honors College of Penn State University and later a MM in vocal performance from George Mason University. It was in through these experiences that I learned to find my own voice and to help others learn the language of music basics to express their own musicality.

In the years since, I have maintained a private studio, but I have also found my professional niche in seemingly disparate musical worlds - early education and adult choirs. However, both of these groups have an innate love of music that needs to be shared. Whether it’s leading a mommy & me music class that I developed or working behind the scenes on a choral performance, making music is what allows us to tap into our shared humanity. It’s a place where everyone is allowed to share their diverse voices and to be heard. I truly feel it is my calling to facilitate those experiences so that music can continue to connect people and instill empathy in the future generations. If this resonates with you, let’s make music together!