I desire to be a teacher because I have been given a gift, and I plan to return the favor.  I was born in Indianapolis, IN to family supportive of the arts.  In a rather large high school, I quickly rose, both on a musical and academic level, to the top of my class. My instructors and family always kindly pushed me to strive for excellence in all I did.  It’s fair, then, to say that I have always been a driven individual.  
   
Throughout my early development as violinist, I found music to be both very rewarding and unforgiving all at the same time.  When I, an inexperienced performer, went to play at a church, I had a very difficult performance, but I learned from this experience and became a calm performer.  I eventually learned to love performing.  I also realized my desire to help others overcome their personal fears and achieve musical mastery at their own levels.
   
Dr. Caroline Wendt, Mrs. Deborah Wittstein, and Mrs. Susan Kitterman greatly encouraged me to not only pursue a future of personal performances but have also reminded me that music is common ground for all.  These educators helped me to recognize my abilities and potential as a teacher.  These teachers helped me form a vision of myself as an educator: always patient, firm but gentle, qualified, capable on his or her instrument, and able to think in a way that will creatively help a student to understand the content. 

My time at Ball State University has provided me with thorough experience and training in music education and in music as a whole.  I have served in principal positions in the Ball State University Symphony Orchestra and have frequently performed with the professional Muncie Symphony Orchestra.  Having competed in multiple violin competitions, I have sought to constantly improve my playing ability. 

Though rigorous, my classes at Ball State have also taught me how to improve and hone my abilities as a music teacher.  Techniques courses have provided me with unique insights into woodwind, brass, and string instruments and their inherent challenges.  With a constant reflective approach, my music education courses have pushed me to maximize my skills as a teacher and have prepared me more than I could have imagined.  My memberships in the American String Teachers Association and the Music Educators National Conference have provided me with added insights into the world of music education.

Having completed my degree requirements at Ball State University in music education (licensure in grades K-12), I possess extensive knowledge, understanding, and experience in teaching music to many types of students.  My senior honors thesis, presented in the form of an interactive DVD, very originally depicted how I cater my teaching to the needs of the student.  I enjoy working with all types of students and welcome the challenges.  Such challenges drive me to be a more creative, original, and effective teacher.