Let me introduce myself…
Born and raised in California, I’m certainly a West Coast beach kind of gal (although I’m from Sacramento, which is relatively far from any beach). However, I was extremely lucky to have grown up going back and forth to Hawaii, visiting family friends. I like to think that I bring my easy going attitude to any activity I set my mind to- it just makes everything a bit more enjoyable! But let me start from the beginning-
I began playing the violin at six years old, and my dream was to someday perform at Carnegie Hall. As a little girl, I knew that my future just had to revolve around music. I began private lessons straightaway and eventually played in my elementary and middle school orchestras. I joined the Sacramento Youth Symphony for six years and I was lucky enough to go on tour with them to the UK, which opened up my world far beyond anything I had previously known or experienced.
I went on to study Violin Performance at Cal State University, Northridge, where I first got a taste of “chasing your dreams” in Los Angeles. After completing my undergraduate degree there, I decided to have a change of scenery for a bit and moved to Honolulu to pursue my Master’s in Music at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. There, I played out my dreams of living pretty much next to the beach while simultaneously studying music. When 2020 hit with the uncertainty and craziness throughout the world, I decided to move back to California a bit earlier than planned. Hawaii will always have a soft spot in my heart, but California and LA keep pulling me back.
I’ve been so fortunate to have had some of the best violin teachers throughout my life and I owe my entire foundation in music to their expertise, encouragement, and endless support. That is why I know firsthand, the value of a great teacher- one who not only has infinite wisdom to share about music and life, but also one who truly connects with their students and helps them feel inspired.
It has always been my goal to emulate this type of positive and motivational environment, where my students feel safe to express themselves and their musicality. I create a space where students of all ages and levels can continually grow and fulfill the creative desire we are all born with.
If the year 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that genuine human connection is so important. And I believe music and art are beautiful ways for expression and creating a shared sense of humanity. So whether it’s through educating the next generation of musicians, helping someone explore a hobby, or collaborating and playing with other musicians, we will always be able to find a purpose in sharing our voices through music.
With that being said, I also enjoy doing other activities as well. Of course at the top of the list is hanging out at the beach. I also love spending time with my family and my doberman, Pono, who is just about the biggest goofball you could ever meet. I’m passionate about dark chocolate and while I may not be the best cook, I certainly love to eat good food. I also enjoy reading, exploring my creative writing side, and doing yoga.
Where to next?
Let’s talk about lessons!
More information about private lessons, where to contact me, info about rates, etc.
Some sample recordings-
Interested in hearing some music? Here I’ve collected some samples of my playing, from classical to contemporary to pop arrangements.