With a PhD in Music Composition from UCLA and years of experience as a professional composer, trumpeter, and arranger, I am passionate about helping students of all ages unlock their musical potential. My background is rooted in both high-level academic rigor and practical, professional performance. I earned my Master’s and PhD from UCLA and my dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Composition and Plan II Honors from UT Austin. This academic journey allowed me to secure over $200,000 in merit...
With a PhD in Music Composition from UCLA and years of experience as a professional composer, trumpeter, and arranger, I am passionate about helping students of all ages unlock their musical potential. My background is rooted in both high-level academic rigor and practical, professional performance. I earned my Master’s and PhD from UCLA and my dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Composition and Plan II Honors from UT Austin. This academic journey allowed me to secure over $200,000 in merit scholarships and fellowships, and I take great pride in helping my students navigate the competitive world of college, conservatory, and graduate school admissions.
My approach to teaching is deeply influenced by my own mentors. I studied composition under the Grammy-winning composer Richard Danielpour, who himself was a student of Leonard Bernstein. This lineage of musical excellence has taught me that music theory and composition should be intuitive rather than clinical. Whether I am working with an elementary student on their very first melody or coaching a graduate student through complex orchestral arranging, I meet my students where they are. I have spent years teaching in various contexts, from one-on-one private lessons and classroom settings to collegiate-level instruction, ensuring that my methods are tailored to the specific developmental needs of each age group.
My tutoring sessions are highly collaborative and goal-oriented. For students tackling AP Music Theory or jazz studies, I focus on demystifying complex rules so they become tools for creative expression. For those preparing for the high-stakes admissions process at schools like Juilliard, Rice, or Columbia—all of which I was personally admitted to—I provide strategic guidance on portfolio development and application materials. My mission is to foster a sense of enthusiasm and confidence in every student, helping them achieve their specific goals through a blend of technical mastery and original creative thought.
