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It seems as though every aspect of my life has and will always revolve around music.
My musical development had a strong structure and foundation, beginning with my mother who began my flute studies, as well as a strong music program at the Commack Public Schools. From there, I continued on to pursue my passion and love for music as I began my degree in Music Education.
At LIU: C.W. Post, I took advantange of every opportunity that was available to me. I was an active member of the music department, becoming involved in the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Singers, LIU Chorus, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Opera Productions, and the Vocal Jazz Combo class. I had the great pleasure of studying with superb musicians and teachers such as Jennifer Scott Miceli, Richie Iacona, James McRoy, Danielle McRoy, Frank Cassara, Elaine Gates, Joseph Sugar, Alexander Dashnaw, along with many others. With various performing groups, I travelled through Europe, performing at festivals in France, Spain, and Switzerland, including the Jazz a Vienne Festival, where I was a featured soloist, as well as the Montreux Jazz Festival. It was opportunities such as these that opened my eyes to the various ranges of styles and cultures of music.
After receiving my B.M. in Music Education, I joined the New York City Department of Education at the Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy in the Bronx from 2008-2010. KAPPA is a newly developing school with an innovative approach to education, founded in 2007. Now a 9-12 High School, this school began as one hallway of a larger campus, where I had an opportunity to help with curriculum development, program development, and lots of professional development opportunities, including Carol Tomlinson's Workshop on Differentiation, as well as being trained in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
In 2010, I began my Masters Degree in Music Composition, History and Performance at LIU: CW Post. Concentrating on my passion for Latin American music, my studies revolved around a thesis concentrating on the relationship between American Jazz and Latin American Salsa, and their affect on one another. My studies greatly relied on the expertise of Carl Strommen, Jennifer Miceli, T.K. Blue and Richie Iacona. During my program of study, I created several arrangements which have since been performed at weddings and celebrations. I recently received my M.A. degree in May of 2013.
While pursuing my Masters Degree, I taught several leave replacements in the Westbury School District, and Port Washington School District. I am currently a part-time teacher at Westbury HIgh School, teaching a Music Appreciation class which concentrates on Music Theory/Composition, Listening Analysis and Musical Culture. As well, I was recently appointed the Tri-M Music Honor Society Advisor, as well as the Assistant Musical Director for the school musical.
I am always looking for a means of professional development, as well as new teaching opportunities. Please feel free to email me with any opportunities you think would be a good fit!