What do you like most about teaching, and did you always want to be a teacher?

I don’t remember a specific day I had the realization I wanted to be a teacher, but I had a fantastic 6th-grade band teacher and recall thinking, “I could do that.” That was when I first knew I’d be an educator. I’ve been fortunate to have had some fantastic educators in my life, and they have really helped shape the kind of teacher I strive to be. I have so many things I love about teaching, but I think the one that I love the most right now is how inspired I am by my students. I am always blown away by the talent and heart that my students consistently bring to their playing. They all continually inspire me to find the joy I have for music, regardless of whether it's a good or bad day. My favorite moments are when I leave a lesson and think, “I can’t wait to get home and practice!,” and my students always help me find that excitement, for which I’m truly grateful.

When did you realize you loved music?

When I was a little kid, my family lived in a town that had been the birthplace of a famous opera singer. Apparently, after I was told her story, I would go out with my family in public and yell as loud and as long as possible, trying to emulate the vocalist to the best of my 4-year-old abilities. Did I become an operatic star? No. Was my family almost kicked out of several stores? Yes.

Do you play any other instruments?

I do! I attended college for Music Education, and a significant part of my training involved learning to play all the band instruments, piano, and a string instrument of my choice. The flute and piccolo are my primary instruments, but I can also play all the band instruments, piano, sing, and play violin (although it's definitely not my forte). My mom, a harpist and organist, has tried (unsuccessfully, I might add) to help me become proficient on the harp. Alas, I am a band person at heart!

What is your favorite musical memory?

I have many favorites, but one of my most profound is from my high school orchestra. I was part of an audition-based orchestra that traveled to competitions every year. In my senior year, we were at our competition, and I’d just finished my last performance with them, so I was sitting in the audience, listening to the strings-only piece. They played "Irish Tune from County Derry," and I just remember taking in the moment, feeling so bittersweet. It would be my last time performing with these colleagues in this setting, but I was headed into a new chapter of my musical career. That moment will always stay with me and remind me of how powerful music is.

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

I have had my fair share of practice funks! Whether it's daily life, that one measure of a piece you just can’t quite get right, or stress from preparing for a big performance, funk happens. What works best for me is playing a piece I loved from the past. When I play a piece I’m familiar with but no longer actively practice, it reminds me of how much I love music and the reasons I chose to become a musician, without the pressure of making it performance-ready. It also reminds me of all of the effort I put into bringing the piece to the caliber it was, and how all of the hard work was worth it.

Who are some of your most inspiring teachers?

I have had the privilege of learning with some truly inspiring and amazing people. One teacher who will always stay with me is the private teacher I had when I started flute lessons at 10. Her name is Melinda Easter, and she has had a profoundly positive impact on me as both a person and a musician. She’s like an aunt to me, and I still make a habit of seeing her when I can, as she always finds something for me to work on. Melinda gave me the tough love when I needed it the most, and has always been there to give me a hug, laugh, and love whenever I need it. She always makes sure to give me a healthy dose of sass when I need that, too.

When you’re not performing or teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

I love to bake! I’m gluten and dairy free (not by choice sadly), and I love to adapt non-gluten-free recipes to what I can eat. Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, and fiction is my favorite genre to read. Hanging out with my cats is a daily occurrence, and currently, my cats are sleeping in the sunshine. When they’re not, you can find them chasing one another around the house and wreaking as much havoc as possible! Going hiking with friends is another one of my favorite pastimes. Even though I moved to the Boston area 3 years ago, I’m still exploring all of the beautiful trails and places New England has to offer. Feel free to give me any and all recommendations!