Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I knew that deep down inside me music came naturally. I could figure out music in a way that else could, because I was self taught. Sharing that experience allows my students to excel beyond the classroom into the music industry.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My bass clarinet player wanted to play accordion. Typically BAND doesn’t have accordion in it however I did some research and found that in Russia accordions were common practice in everything. So on our spring contest, we played a Russian March featuring him on accordion and receive superior ratings. Best in class and best at the contest.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would start a scholarship fund for those students that wish to continue in music beyond the classroom such as Grant money for them to start gigs or pay for admissions to professional competitions.