Awards/Competitions
National Finalist, 2026 MTNA Chamber Music Competition; 1st Place, 2025 Brimhall Cello Competition; 2nd Place, 2024 ASTA State Solo Competition; Winner, 2024 University of Utah Concerto Competition; Winner, 2023 Utah Philharmonia Concerto Competition; Winner, 2018 & 2021 Utah Symphony Concerto Competition
Appearances
University of Utah Philharmonic, 2023–26; Ballet West Orchestra, Utah, substitute, 2024–present; Meadowmount School of Music, New York, 2024; Gifted Music School Conservatory Orchestra, Utah, 2014–16
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
One of my earliest memories of classical music is of listening to Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony on my mp3 player as a kid. It was the only classical piece on the device. I would close my eyes and “conduct” the music, certain that I wanted to be a conductor when I got older.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Both Matt Johnson and John Eckstein from the Utah Symphony have been instrumental teachers in helping me to grow as a cellist, and in inspiring me to pursue orchestra as a career. Matt was the one who inspired me to take cello seriously in my teenage years. Most of my technical approach comes from Matt, and he really helped me hold my playing to a higher standard. John was my rock throughout my undergraduate, and the teacher I began orchestral audition prep with. It was so inspiring to begin working on excerpts with him because he really knows the repertoire and held me to a professional standard. Lessons with John will always be a special memory to me. I feel like my playing really grew up as his student.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
I decided to pursue orchestra as a career after my university philharmonic performed Debussy’s La Mer a few years ago. It was such a challenging and powerful experience to prepare such difficult, moving music. After the performance, I was touched so deeply that I knew I could do this every day for my whole life. Ever since then, I have really fallen in love with the orchestral repertoire, as well as the experience of being a small part of a much bigger ensemble. It is continually humbling to me to be able to bring such intricate music to life. The wonderful musicians of the Utah Symphony—my hometown symphony—constantly inspire me with every performance to continue pursuing this path.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
My proudest achievement as a musician is getting to a point where I love to perform. I struggled with performance anxiety for years, never feeling like my performances went the way I had practiced. It took a lot of years, practice, and work on my mindset to get more comfortable performing. Now, I still feel the nerves leading up to a performance, but once I get playing a bit on stage, I usually feel like the connection with the audience really brings out something special in the music. Performing has transformed from something I dread into a very wonderful part of being a musician.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Outside of classical music, I am a really big fan of Lord Huron, Lorde, Hozier, Halsey, and The Corries, an old Irish band.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
The biggest challenge for me about playing in an orchestra is definitely the physical challenges. The long rehearsals and practice hours lead to lots of pain and tension for me. I have to really prioritize my recovery. I am still learning how to balance playing and rest.