I have called several cities my home, but after graduating from the University of MN, and living in Seattle for several years, I temporarily moved Bozeman, MT to pursue my MFA degree from MSU where I also taught several classes as an adjunct professor. In 2024, I relocated to Rochester, NY; the current "nest" for String Lark Lessons! I’ve been playing music in one form or another since early childhood. Although I started with voice, piano, and violin, eventually I begged my mom to buy me my first guitar at about 13 years old. Since then, guitar has been a major part of my life. It was in Seattle (in 2012) that I decided to create the business String Lark Lessons and it has hopped cities and grown!
When I’m not teaching music privately, I also enjoy making and teaching visual art, working in the Deaf Community, playing music professionally, going on hikes, and getting together with other musicians for jams. I love the unique charms of various genres, but have gravitated towards Django Reinhardt style Swing Jazz in the past couple of years. While living in Seattle, I was in the bands Byron Street Swing and Lulu Swing and other groups or projects in need of guitarist. In Bozeman, MT, I was in the bands Montana Manouche and Victrola Viola. I host recurring jams frequently, so the music never stops.
As a teacher, I can be somewhat structured in the lessons, but easy going in my approach. I’m known for my endless supply of corny jokes and come from a place of positive encouragement.