Growing up in rural mid-coast Maine, I was surrounded by music at an early age. Whether it was playing fiddle in the family contra-dance band, violin and viola in various chamber and orchestral groups through Bay Chamber Concerts, or singing every chance there was - I kept busy with one musical activity or another. Ultimately concluding that viola was my true passion, I went on to study with Sheila Browne and Karen Ritscher, graduating from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a bachelor of music, and then Boston University's College of Fine Arts with a master of music.

In addition to my viola studies, I have had the pleasure of completing The Keenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education in New York City. This wonderful opportunity included working alongside Teaching Artists in New York public schools, and culminated in performances at Lincoln Center Education's Clark Theatre.

My experiences at Lincoln Center Education, my Suzuki training at the Hartt Suzuki Institute, and the many amazing educators I have encountered along the way, have inspired in me a love of teaching. Now a certified Suzuki violin and viola instructor, I teach at the Portland Conservatory and Bay Chamber Concerts Music School, as well as privately in the greater Portland area. Also an active performer both as a violist and singer, I primarily play with Palaver Strings, a musician-led string ensemble formed in Boston, who now calls Portland, ME home.