I teach, perform, and research music because it is a social, cultural, and personal experience that allows us to explore and express in an intense and indirect way the very depths of what makes us human. I see learning as a continuous experience that occurs in and out of classrooms--a way to help share and synthesize the knowledge we all bring on the journey. I see curricula as co-created, situated, flexible, generative, and relevant to all stakeholders. I view teachers as ones who mentor, inspire, and learn with students--helping to facilitate creative, democratic, and dynamic learning environments that support all participants’ identities and address issues of social justice in our communities. I strive as a music teacher to help all students uncover their own critical, expressive, and musical voices--to see themselves as confident lifelong learners, teachers, performers, creators, and appreciators of music.

“Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient continuing, hopeful inquiry [we] pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other.”

- Paulo Freire 
Pedagogy of the Oppressed