Weekly Cello Group Class

Cellists will work on:
- Becoming comfortable playing and speaking in front of a group
- Introducing themselves and the title of their piece clearly
- Mastering a piece of music to be confident in performing
- How to deal with nerves and performance anxiety

Hello! I began playing the cello when I was 5 years old, and the joy of learning music has stayed with me my whole life. As a former philosophy major, I believe music education enhances development of the whole person by nurturing physical, intellectual, and socio-emotional skills. Today, I offer classes on a variety of musical and academic subjects, and I would love to help you along your journey!

As a professional cellist, I maintain an active performing schedule with three professional orchestras. Since 2010, I have taught private music lessons on cello, violin, and piano, coached chamber ensembles, led orchestra sectionals, and taught music theory at the college level. With the experience of the Global Leaders Program, I am a certified Teaching Artist and have developed an interdisciplinary approach to music learning. I aim to cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of music by helping learners of all walks of life unlock their own creativity and exploration.

Highlights of my Performing Career:
- Performed at international festivals in Europe, South America, and throughout North America
-  Shared the stage with performers such as Joshua Bell, Ben Folds, 2Cellos, Michael Buble, Jane Lynch, and more
- Current cellist in Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra
- Current Associate Principal Cellist of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra
- Performed a solo concerto with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and UNL Symphony Orchestra
- Winner of the 2016 "Play with the Chiaras" Competition

Teaching Experience:
- Teaching Assistant in Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Arts, and Chamber Music Outreach throughout college and graduate school
- Founder of Star City Strings performing and teaching ensemble
- Taught at Intensive Community Program of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Certified Teaching Artist through the Global Leaders Program
- Adjunct Faculty at Southeast Community College
- Chamber Music Coach for Omaha Area Youth Orchestras

My Education:
- Bachelor of Music from Boston University, summa cum laude, 2013
- Master of Music from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2016
- Graduate of the Global Leaders Program, 2020

My Students' Accomplishments:
- Routinely admitted by audition to ensembles such as Youth Ensemble of Strings, Junior Youth Symphony, and Lincoln Youth Symphony
- Earned places in the Nebraska All-State Honors Orchestra
- Went on to major in music at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Carlton College, and others
- Won high school senior solo competitions and performed with orchestras

No homework will be assigned for this ongoing class; with any instrument, practicing regularly is essential.

25 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.