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Sunflower Performing Arts

What draws you to the study of music?

I did not go to college intending to be a music major, but by my sophomore year I was one! I loved making music (as a soloist and in ensembles), I loved studying music theory and especially music history, I loved my profs and my fellow music students, and I had natural talent. Soon I had my bachelor’s degree, and then my master’s and then my doctorate. I think many people who love learning go into education. We love learning so much, we want to be part of others’ learning. And, BONUS--we keep learning, too! As a performing artist, it is also my responsibility and privilege to practice my own craft. Several times a year I have performing opportunities--some requiring me to polish music I already know, and others for which I work on new music.

What about teaching energizes you?

One-on-one voice lessons are simultaneously invigorating and exhausting. Most days I get to go home a tired, but encouraged and enthusiastic teacher.

What are your favorite courses to teach?

The largest part of my job as a professor at Hesston is teaching private voice lessons. That means most of my job is doing what I love! Part of being an effective voice teacher is helping students find the balance of continually striving to improve while they also accept that the journey of a singer is winding and sometimes difficult. Another aspect of voice teaching that I enjoy is witnessing the evolution of a song and of the singer. Helping students prepare for a recital is especially delightful for me. Working with students to find and prepare their recital repertoire and then watching it come alive during the recital is a precious journey.