Biography:

• Received a BA in Piano Performance and completed requirements for a degree in Music Theory from Northwest Nazarene College.
• Received a Master of Music in Piano Performance at Boise State University.
• Received a Doctor of Arts in Piano Performance with a secondary emphasis in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Northern Colorado.
• Held a doctoral assistantship in class and private piano instruction at the University of Northern Colorado.

What is your favorite thing about working at NNU? I appreciate the 100+ years of commitments and sacrifices made for NNU. I’m excited to be part of this longstanding community and hope to continue the self-giving care demonstrated by faculty and staff through many generations.

Share a few facts about your specific area(s) of expertise that you bring to the classroom: Completed dissertation research on John Ireland’s works for piano and orchestra, analyzing each work in terms of it’s organic or programmatic conception. Performed locally as a piano soloist with the Meridian Symphony and the Canyon County Symphony. Judges for local piano festivals around the Treasure Valley.

Share a few pieces of information that represent your teaching experience and why you love working with students: In a recent piano lesson, I pointed out a motivic idea that had been derived from a section much earlier in the score. The look of excitement on the student’s face was priceless. As a teacher, I love to experience the joy that comes when students understand new concepts or recognize connections for the first time.