Teaching Philosophy

In my classroom, the first rule is simple: don’t be a jerk. It’s written on the wall, woven into our routines, and modeled every day. When I have a guest educator it is written on the board in my classroom. I believe that music education is about far more than notes and rhythms—it’s about shaping good humans. Through ensemble work, feedback loops, and shared wins (and flops), students learn how to listen, lead, compromise, and contribute. I use music as a tool to teach empathy, perseverance, and reflection. My ultimate goal isn’t just better musicians—it’s better people. 

Most importantly, every student in my room is valued and respected for who they are—even if they’re still figuring that out. And that journey, like good music, takes time, trust, and a safe place to grow.