The effect an excellent caring teacher has on their students is endless, especially in music education. The influence of my own music teachers throughout school deepened my appreciation for all music. The music program gave me a sense of pride for accomplishing a successful performance in a music program or in a musical.

I have been inspired to be a musician my whole life and I thrived on the teachings of my band, piano, & choir director, learning all I could take in. I always made every effort to be a leader in choir, earning section leader in 9th grade through my graduation year. I strived for excellence in everything I did, and in my 11th and 12th grade year I accomplished to be in the top chairs of the Arkansas All-State Choir. I was the only student in the all-state choir that did not have their own personal voice coach. This gave me such pride in my ability as a musician, and it raised my self-confidence as a person. I decided at that time that I wanted to become a choir director and give pride and self confidence to other students.

Other than pride and self confidence, music gives students so much more. It breaks down barriers between cultures, links history, and helps make other academics relevant to the student mind. That is why I feel it is so important to study music from around the world. It also gives students a chance to express themselves. So, it seems only natural to encourage students in the direction of an expression that spans all ages and cultures, and allows them to articulate themselves in a significant and productive way. As a private vocal coach and piano teacher, I have had the opportunity of teaching to every individual need when it comes to their art. It is a pleasure to nurture each student’s abilities to their achievable level. Most of all, music education should be exciting & fun, producing an environment that encourages students to explore their talents, and achieving a more rounded life.

• JR-HS Concert Choir
• JR Girls Select Chorus
• HS Madrigal Select Chorus
• National Park Jazz Singers, Hot Springs, AR
• National Park Choir, Hot Springs, AR
• Henderson State University Chorus, AR
• Henderson State University Madrigals, AR
• Henderson Opera Company, AR
• 2 years with vocal coach Mrs. Denise Edds, National Park College, AR
• 4 years with vocal coach Dr. William Higgins, Henderson State University, AR
• BA Vocal Music at Henderson State University
• Texas Teacher Certification in EC-12 Music

• JR-HS Concert Band
• JR-HS Marching Band
• HS Symphonic Band

• HS Dixieland Band
• JR-HS Jazz Band
• 6 years with instructor Stella Jernigan, Bald Knob, AR
• 1 year with Dr. Kay McFee Henderson State University, AR
• 1 year with Dr. Ann Rye, Henderson State University, AR
• 1 year with Dr. Jeri Astolfi, Henderson State University, AR

• "Little Shop of Horrors" - Crystal
• "The Witness" - Mary Magdaline
• "Riders by the Sea" - Cathleen
• "Handel's Messiah" - Soprano soloist
• "Turandot" - AR symphony chorus
• "Carmina Burana" - AR symphony chorus
• Madrigal groups - 94-01
• "Picnic" - stage production
• "Our Town" - stage production
• "Turning Points" - director
• Hot Springs Jazz Festival -Singer 98-04
• Multiple Praise Teams in AR & TN

• H.S. Sectional winner - soprano
• Performed in Branson with Anita Bryant
• Sang with Gospel singer Judy Jacobs
• Winner Piano -AR Church of God Talent
• Soloist honors at AR MENC
• 2nd in song writing AR C.O.G. Talent
• AR All-state choir 1996
• AR All-state choir 1997
• 1st drama 98' AR C.O.G. talent director
• TN Assembly of God vocal talent judge
• Juggling family with music