A native of Wichita, Kansas, I have studied music and German for twenty years. I received my doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Music Composition with a minor in Musicology (Music History). Previously, I received my master's degree at UW-Madison in Music Composition and my bachelor's at Kansas State University in music with an emphasis in Music Composition and Piano Performance with a minor in German. I have studied composition with film and video game composers, Pulitzer Prize winning composers, and I have worked with Grammy winning and nominated artists. Since graduating, I have been commissioned to compose several works for ensembles throughout the United States. In my teaching, I am passionate about helping students to learn and grow their skills in their field, whatever their interests. I tutor in all types of music composition, music theory, music history, German, and more. I believe strongly in a student-centered approach which adapts to and actively engages the needs of each individual student to help grow their enthusiasm for their interests and to develop a wide range of skills that can be transferred to other fields of study. Outside of teaching, you can often find me reading, playing games with friends, cooking and baking, exercising, and learning new skills.