Why did you choose the USC School of Music?
I chose the USC School of Music for the chance to study with its outstanding saxophone professor Dr. Cliff Leaman and to be part of a program led at that time by Dean Jamal Rossi, who had been a trusted mentor since my undergraduate years. On top of that, a generous graduate fellowship provided both financial support and invaluable teaching experience across saxophone, chamber music, music appreciation, and aural skills. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and inspired to grow.
What ensembles were you a member of while at USC?
Chamber Ensemble(s)
What person, course or experience was most influential for you while at the School of Music?
It’s hard to choose just one! The mix of academics, performance, teaching, and writing was the total package, and several exceptional mentors shaped me in different ways. If I had to highlight one, it would be my deep dive into the culture and people of new music beyond the saxophone. Dr. John Fitz Rogers was central to that growth‚ and through launching the Southern Exposure New Music Series and leading an unforgettable seminar where I even composed a piece with kitchen objects! That experience sparked a lasting dedication to new music, fueling years of collaboration, commissions, recordings, publications, and boundary-breaking work.
How has your education at the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career?
Too many ways to count! Perhaps the most underrated area in a DMA program is the writing experience. I learned to write because of Dr. Julie Hubbert's meticulous guidance and patience as my primary advisor for my DMA document. That level of writing discipline has shaped how I think, communicate, and lead in ways that continue to serve me in every professional setting, and in personal settings, too!
What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors or activities while attending the School of Music?
Fellow DMA student Dr. Becky (Grausam) Baker (piano pedagogy) and I became immediate friends during orientation. We formed a saxophone/piano duo in year two of our degrees and performed many times together. The Midwest tour we organized playing seven recitals in nine days remains a highlight! We've been dear friends since then.
What advice would you give current students or recent graduates pursuing a music performance or music education career?
Keep your eyes wide open for the path within music that speaks most closely to your heart. Match with programs and organizations that strive to see all of you and have the capacity to support your whole being and imagination, not just a slice of it. Support may come from unexpected sources!
What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from the School of Music in which your education played a role?
Earning my first tenure-track teaching position right after graduation was a proud moment. I felt prepared and ready from the guidance by Dr. Leaman and others at USC.
What is currently playing on repeat on your Spotify/Pandora/Apple Music, etc.?
I am always changing up what I listen to!
Do you have any recent career changes, accomplishments, awards, major life events, etc. you would like to share?
In 2023, I became the executive director of James Madison University's X-Labs, a cross-disciplinary collaborative innovation space with a foundation in design thinking. So much of my music background shows up every day. It's an opportunity to explore creativity through many lenses and bring together divergent thinkers and doers to solve complex problems.