In terms of my music education, my early years were spent studying cello with Irene Sharp, in Palo Alto. I then went on to Indiana University Jacobs School of Music to study with Janos Starker. I received my master's in cello performance at the University of Illinois where I was awarded both a teaching fellowship and a string quartet fellowship. I spent two summers in the Tanglewood Young Artist Program, two summers at the Banff Center for the Performing Arts participating in the cello master classes, and three summers as a fellowship recipient at the Aspen Music Festival. Whlie living and working as a freelance cellist in New York City, I studied privately with Aldo Parisot, on full scholarship. Highlights of my performing career include: Debut recital in Carnegie Recital Hall as winner of Artist International, Founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Phoenix, formerly Trio Phoenix and Tenured Principal Cellist of Sacramento Philharmonic.

I've been fortunate to have studied with top-notch teachers from the get go. They include Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot, Irene Sharp and other legends. I've assimilated many of their teaching concepts through decades of performing as a professional cellist. I became serious about teaching a decade ago and like many, started teaching on Zoom during Covid. I figured out how to teach online effectively as my students have flourished. Teaching experience includes faculty positions at Eastern Music Festival, Sequoia Chamber Music Festival, San Francisco Conservatory Prep., and San Dominico Prep School. Currently I'm a cello professor at St. Mary's College and maintain a thriving private studio.

I'm a rigorous teacher and find the challenges of problem-solving fascinating. Each student is unique in how they assimulate information so finding ways to communicate the intricate aspects of technique and musicmaking, is an ever fluctuating and inventive process. Learning styles and teaching methods are limitless, so discovering a good fit is one of the things which keeps teaching interesting. I enjoy people and strive to make the lessons fun. If a student is serious about learning Cello, I do what I can to help make it happen.