Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance & Piano Performance, with an Area of Emphasis in Pedagogy
Hometown: Waynesburg, PA
Why did you choose to attend WVU?
I chose to attend West Virginia University because it provided the opportunity
to continue playing with the WVU Symphony Orchestra and studying with my teacher,
Prof. Christine Mazza! I got plugged into the School of Music through WVU’s Community
Music Program, where I began taking harp lessons in high school. Even before
I was a student here, I felt incredibly welcomed by the faculty of WVU’s College
of Creative Arts.
What is your profession now?
I am finishing the final semester of my master’s degree in Harp Performance from
the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, & Dance. I am also an
instructor of piano at Expressions Music Academy in Metro-Detroit and harp mentor
for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles, where I coach chamber
ensembles and orchestra rehearsals. Following graduation, I’m looking forward
to moving back to the Morgantown, WV area to continue to teach and perform professionally.
What is your most interesting current/upcoming project?
I’m excited to be teaching at Interlochen Arts Camp for my third summer! As the
harp Teaching Fellow, I primarily work with the Intermediate harp students: leading
orchestra sectionals, coaching harp ensemble, and teaching a beginner harp class.
It has been incredibly rewarding to pass on what I learned at WVU to the next
generation of young harpists. For many of these students, IAC is their first
opportunity to play in an orchestra. It’s exciting to watch them experience the
same excitement I felt in my first ensemble experiences at WVU. Later this month,
I’m playing for a groundbreaking project that will create the first full recording
of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s cantata, The Atonement. Because the orchestral score
was never published, this performance will be the first time the work has been
performed in its entirety in over 100 years!
How do you feel WVU and the College of Creative Arts prepared you for your career?
WVU’s School of Music provided me with an exceptionally thorough, well-rounded education which gave me the skills and confidence to be successful after graduation. One thing that sets the school apart is that the faculty truly invest in their students. I am extremely grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and support I received from my professors!
One of the most beneficial aspects of my education was the sheer amount of performance opportunities available. Through the WVU Symphony Orchestra, I had the opportunity to not only learn, but actually perform an enormous amount of standard orchestral literature as an undergraduate. Furthermore, the consistent, specific feedback Dr. Mitchell Arnold provided in rehearsal was invaluable to my development as a performer and musician!
While at WVU, I discovered my passion for pedagogy. The coursework and internship I completed as part of the piano pedagogy program have proven to be extremely useful in the teaching I’ve done since graduation. Dr. Mauro provided me with both a solid set of practical skills and a thorough understanding of what it means to teach well.
My concept of technique, musicianship, and expression were transformed through piano lessons with Dr. Peter Amstutz. He taught me to put musical intention behind every note - “hear first, play second”. I frequently find myself repeating his words of wisdom to my own students.
Finally, I cannot forget to mention my harp teacher, Prof. Christine Mazza, who has been with me from the very beginning of my harp journey through graduate school. She has helped me make so many professional connections and continuously invested in my life, not just as a musician, but as an individual. Without her support, I would never have been able to attend WVU’s School of Music.
From taking time out of their own schedules to attend rehearsals and edit applications, to giving advice on career decisions, the faculty at WVU have shown a pattern of going above and beyond. The teacher, musician, and person I am today is because of my time in the College of Creative Arts.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming or current students in WVU's
College of Creative Arts, what would it be?
Work hard, stay teachable, and take advantage of all the opportunities the school has to offer!