I am a music teacher with over 15 years experience teaching in schools.  I have taught wind and string instruments to children as young as three through high school age.   I am comfortable teaching violin, viola, bass, and guitar.  My philosophy is that everyone has talent that can be developed. 

I received a Bachelor of Music Education from Concordia University Chicago in 1995.   I studied educational philosophy and techniques in teaching general and  choral music, with an emphasis on instrumental music.  My major instrument was percussion.  In 2004, I received a Master of Music from Northwestern University.   I studied music education with an emphasis on jazz pedagogy, creativity, and string techniques. 

I have performed a wide variety of music, from orchestral violin, jazz violin, to rock.  I have played in Orchestras including the Wheaton Summer Symphony, The Classical Symphony Orchestra, and the Bachfest Chorale.  I also have played jazz violin in groups such as Steve Dubin and the Blue Swingers and the Vintage Jazz Quintet.    As bassist in the surf rock group, The Mysterians, I have played throughout the greater Chicago in venues such as Fitzgeralds in Berwyn and The House of Blues. 

I currently serve as director of contemporary worship at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Munster, IN.  I lead worship twice a month and rehearse a fine group of singers and instrumentalists.  I play violin, guitar, mandolin, percussion, and bass as needed.