Awards/Competitions
Indiana Premier Young Talent Award, 2017; Guildhall Scholar Award, 2022
Appearances
IU Summer String Academy, 2013–17; Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, 2015–19; Music Coll, 2022; Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Associate Member, 2025
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
I had to call my mom to confirm—my earliest memory of classical music was seeing The Nutcracker ballet when I was three! I’ve always loved Tchaikovsky, and I’m playing the violin concerto now as my audition piece!
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My most beloved teacher is Simon Blendis, with whom I studied at Guildhall. He taught me to put expression and creativity above all else, and he also taught me that the most important part of being a good artist is being a good person. He is a great role model both within and without the realm of music.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
Since I started violin it was just always what I wanted. I knew immediately from my first screechy draw of the bow. An influential person in my musical life was my sister, she started viola in fifth grade school orchestra! I used to steal her case and pretend to play violin with it.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
Honestly I kind of applied on a whim. I have been out of school for a few years freelancing and taking auditions, and I saw the TŌN audition pop up on Musical Chairs. I thought it was exactly what I was looking for, something high level and professional, but still supportive for early-career musicians.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I would like to see some of the barriers to entry being broken down. I recently saw an article on Classic FM about flip flops being banned in an Italian opera house. I think this is so ridiculous and not at all what music is about. Music should be for everyone, no matter their financial status. Yes, a performance is a special occasion, and it can be fun to dress up and treat it as such, but no one should be barred from entry for not knowing the etiquette or not having the proper footwear.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
When I was 16 my pre-college string group through IU did a tour of Argentina. I got to play a solo in a beautiful hall in San Juan, and I actually caught the eye of a little girl in the audience. I decided to play the rest of the piece directly for her, and after the concert she asked for my autograph. It was a really connective moment that I cherish a lot.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
There are many routes I could take in answering this question. My first instinct was to say while I was at Guildhall, I played one of the best recitals of my life, filled with music that felt quintessentially me, Enescu’s Third sonata and Louisiana Blues Strut by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson. I got a super high mark on it, for which I received a Concert Recital Diploma, the highest degree awarded by the school. I’m very proud of that, but I think I’m more proud of the general identity of being an artist. I am resilient and I never give up in the face of adversity. I try to embody creativity, passion, and perseverance in all aspects of life. I never take the easy way out, or any shortcuts, because these do not exist in music. Being a musician is not always easy, but I love it so much that the difficult parts are more than worth it. And I am so proud of choosing the road less travelled.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Janine Jansen. She is all guts! Never a moment of self-conscious or careful playing.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
I actually had a really hard year this year, and I contemplated quitting music for the first time in my life. I went through some health issues and a bad breakup that both left me feeling incredibly lost. It wasn’t until I had a gig with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago that I remembered the amazing connecting power of music, and I finally felt returned to myself. I realized that I feel my best when I am creating, and I think I have something worthwhile to contribute to the music world.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
Oh this was really funny and still haunts me. In my senior recital at IU, I played the Tchaikovsky concerto. In the recapitulation, I took the exposition ending so I was playing in the dominant while my pianist was playing in the tonic. It was pretty dissonant.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
I love Ella Fitzgerald and most jazz, especially from the 40’s! As for something more current, I have really eclectic music taste, and I’m always listening to something new! But I’ve been really into Molly Tuttle and Bon Iver lately.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I’m also a personal trainer! But if I couldn’t do either of those I’d love to work at a dog sanctuary.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
It takes a lot of strength and flexibility! I have had injuries previously because I didn’t prioritize conditioning my body.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
It can be overwhelming at times. There’s a lot of different facets to pay attention to: do I sound good, am I playing with my section, is my section fitting with the strings, are the strings fitting with everyone else? If you lose track of any one of these things for too long, it’ll be a bumpy ride.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
If you’re looking to make a living wage, go into something else! Only half-joking haha! But if you really love it and you can’t think of anything in the world you could do instead, music will find a place for you.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
It doesn’t matter how long it takes, just keep going.