Instructor of Voice and Piano
My Background: Although I majored in music at the University of Wyoming, I started off in theatrical productions prior to my bachelor’s degree in music education. It was an organic shift from theater to vocal music, thus conducting and stage direction are ancillary skill-sets. I have a Master of Music with Distinction in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. I also have a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) from the University of Washington in Opera Production and Musicology. To date, I have performed principal roles with Boston Lyric Opera, Seattle Opera, Tacoma Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Utah Opera Festival, Opera Idaho, Houston Opera in the Heights, Opera Columbus, Banff Centre for the Arts, Si parla si canta in Urbania, Italy and New Orleans Opera. Since relocating to Colorado in 2021, I performed with Opera Fort Collins, Loveland Opera Theatre and most recently, Boulder Opera Theatre (February, 2025). Favorite roles to date include Giorgio Germont in La traviata, Escamillo in Carmen, Schaunard in La Bohème and the Father in Hansel and Gretel.
What I love about teaching: Because I love singing and stage direction, the process of imparting knowledge and practical skills for the stage are vitally important in creating a successful and positive experience for the singers. A case in point is a 2022 production of Otto Nicolai’s comic opera, The Merry Wives of Windsor. I had the pleasure of working with young singers at Portland State University in the capacity of guest stage director, vocal coach, and dramaturgist.
One way that I help my students succeed and flourish: In the spirit of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the best ways to promote success include an ongoing, meaningful dialogue with students. In essence, the teacher becomes a mentor in the truest sense. The teacher provides the technical wherewithal for the student to perform his or her best work and, in turn, the teacher always learns from the student in subtle ways that encourage, inspire, motivate and challenge all parties involved!
Performance Experience: Although I treasure all of my performance experiences, the years of 2021 through 2025 have been memorable and transformative. Playing Hucklebee in The Fantasticks with Opera Fort Collins, Wolfgang Big Bad in The Three Little Pigs and Jake Sands in The Ballad of Baby Doe with Loveland Opera Theatre were wonderful stage and education and outreach experiences in 2021 through 2024. The February, 2025 Boulder Opera productions of Il tabarro and Gianni Schicchi were also high-caliber works, featuring excellent regional talent. The performing arts industry in the state of Colorado is amazing, and it is my honor to be part of this rich cultural tapestry.
QUICK FACTS
Hometown: Billings, Montana
My Musical Influences: Mozart, Brahms, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet and Puccini are among my most treasured composers.
Favorite hobby or activity when not teaching or playing music: My White’s Tree Frogs and Roman history programs (on the History Channel) are two significant hobbies. The frogs typically enjoy watching historical documentaries with me.
Favorite food: Pesto pasta is my all-time favorite culinary delight!