lessons

I've been playing mandolin for contra dances for many years, and enjoy playing tunes in a variety of styles! Come work on chords, melody playing, how to back up a tune, strumming rhythms, different tunings, and more.

Contra dance piano is what you'll find me playing most often out on the road! I learned what I know from Julie Vallimont, Ann Percival, and Karen Axelrod, and would love to share with you my take on the modern contra style. 

I studied classical violin for over a decade as a kid, and now lean solidly towards fiddle styles you'd hear at a contra dance. We can talk about everything from playing tunes to playing behind other melody instruments and what to do when you don't know what to play.

My degree is in jazz vibraphone, but I also have experience in concert (classical) and West African percussion. Whether you're in your school band wanting to learn more, or a more seasoned musician looking to take the next step, we can make amazing music together!

Music theory has been a passion of mine for years - let me share it with you! I place a heavy emphasis on ear training - being able to hear what you're playing and understand it is just as important as seeing it on the page. Jazz, classical, pop - any genre!

If you want to get better at writing tunes for dances, if you have a longer "piece" you're working on and want some guidance, or if you want to talk about arranging works for band/choir/orchestra/dance band, let's talk! I can help you develop your ideas.

Together with my brother Galen, I run a live sound company called Stagecoach Sound. We offer workshops at camps and for local communities on how to design, set up, and operate a sound system best suited to your needs. Get in touch for a 1-1 consultation or group workshop.

Want to edit versions of your favorite pop songs for a techno contra?  Or maybe even make original tracks yourself and DJ them live? What about pre-recorded vs playing live instruments in your music? Let's do it all! Come talk to me!