How old were you when you first learned to play an instrument?

I started playing the piano and singing before I could fully talk, or rather, I would bang on the piano while my brother played chords and sang to me. I remember listening to him practice Canon in D so much that one day, around age 6 or 7, I sat down and figured it out by ear. My mom put me in piano lessons when I was eight and voice lessons when I was 12.

What is your favorite type of music?

I had different favorites throughout different parts of my life. When I was a preteen/teenager, I was big into emo and nu-metal. In my later teens, I loved hip hop, soul, pop, theatre, and choir music - really anything I could sing and dance to. In my 20s, while I was studying classical music, I was also into indie, folk, and bluegrass, likely because I was living in Nashville at the time. Now, in my 30s, I listen to all these genres, have added jazz, lofi, and EDM to the mix, and am currently obsessed with the new Tori Kelly album.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a teacher?

One of my students made it to Hollywood on American Idol!

What do you do to get out of a practice funk?

If I’m in a practice funk, I either slow down or stop practicing. I’m rarely able to make any effective change or progress if I just “power through.” If I have a big performance coming up, though, and feel like I have to power through, I’ll coach myself as I would a younger performer who’s having an off day - with patience, compassion, humor, and setting smaller goals to celebrate later.

What do you do outside of performing and teaching?

In addition to performing and teaching, I produce films and commercials. On a day-to-day level, I meditate, journal, work out, and spend time in nature. When I have an extended weekend, I’ll explore a town I’ve never been to, visit a museum, historic site, attend a concert, or experience immersive art. In the rare event that I have several weeks off, I’ll volunteer to work on a farm nearby.

How often did you practice when you were a kid, and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?

When I started playing the piano, I practiced 30 minutes every day. However, when I started voice lessons, I couldn’t get myself to shut up - I’d practice 3-4 hours a day! In undergrad, I had a vocal injury and was limited to 1 hour of practice per day before my voice gave out. During my Master’s program, I sang throughout the day in various classes and lessons, but also practiced on my own for about an hour a day. Now, since I’ve diversified my career so much and tend to stay in musical shape through teaching, I only practice 2 or 3 times a week for about 1-2 hours.

What do you like most about teaching young musicians?

I love seeing the personal transformation that comes from music lessons—seeing them grow more confident and empowered, more self-aware, and more constructive in their thinking.

How are you building a successful career as a working artist?

With consistent, persistent effort, adaptability, courage, patience, a strong support system, wise investments, and calculated risks. I can’t stress enough how important it has been for me to stay on top of my mental health and create a full life outside of my career, too. This career is not for the faint of heart, and it’s hard not to tie your value to it. Therefore, having hobbies/interests, a therapist, a peaceful, happy, and loving home life, and friendships has been integral to my continued success.

What is your goal for your students?

My goal for my students is for them to feel empowered in their self-expression, both outside of music and through music, and to understand that their thoughts, opinions, and the way they carry themselves and express themselves matter.

When did you first realize you loved music?

My mom said she found an old journal entry written by my late grandmother. It was the only entry in the entire journal, dated 9 months after I was born. It said, “I met my granddaughter, Anna, today. She listens very acutely to music.” I think that says it all.