Playing with the PSO since: 2023
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO? Did you learn another instrument first?
I first picked up the Viola in third grade, and haven’t put it down since!
Funnily enough, I chose the Viola because at the 3rd grade instrument demonstration, the viola my teacher played was made of a beautiful, deep red wood. When I received mine from the rental shop, it was a darker brown color, and I told my mom I didn’t want to play because it didn’t have the red hue!
Luckily, she had me stick it out, and I immediately discovered my love for the instrument. When I purchased my first professional instrument, I was sure to find one with a red-tinted wood!
Tell us about your musical education.
I started Viola in 3rd grade in my town’s public school program, and added private lessons in high school. I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, and my Master of Music Education from Illinois State University. I also have some Suzuki training.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
I love the marriage of all of the different string, wind, and percussion instruments, as well as the large-scale collaboration with so many other musicians. I also love the repertoire; there is such a depth of emotion you can express with such a large group of musicians!
What is your favorite piece to play on viola?
This year I have been working on the Rebecca Clarke Viola Sonata and Florence Price’s 2nd String Quartet, which have both been absolutely wonderful! I also love the classics; I was lucky enough to play Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony with PSO last season, which is one of my all-time favorite pieces. I’ve also always loved the Dvořák String Serenade. Oops, was I supposed to only pick one?
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I am the Symphonia Orchestra director at Phillips Exeter Academy, where I also teach private viola and coach chamber groups. I own the Holistic Music Education Institute in Beverly, MA where I teach private violin, viola, and cello. I founded the Beverly Study Orchestra, an ensemble for beginner adult string musicians, of which I am now the Executive Director. This semester, I am also working as interim assistant conductor for the University of New Hampshire Youth Symphony Orchestras.
When I am not teaching, directing, or performing, I am writing and editing for the American String Teachers Journal, writing poetry, and spending time with my partner Adam and our cat Béla (yes, named after Béla Bartók!).
Do you play with other groups?
Over the past few years, I have played with the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Hampshire Philharmonic, the Ideas Not Theories Orchestra, the Concord Chorale, and many other groups throughout New England.
