Violin with Ken K.

I started playing piano at the age of nine, and sang in our church choir growing up. From the moment I started playing piano, I found that I really had a love and enjoyment for music. My father and mother were both musically inclined and sang often. Both parents also played instruments. I started playing trumpet at age 12, studying with the late Anthony Pasquarelli, who was professor of Trumpet Performance at Carnegie Mellon University for 47 years. It was his tireless pursuit of musical excellence, passion for music, and positive mentorship as a person, that inspired me to become a music educator. Performing extensively in groups in high school, I was selected by audition to participate in numerous PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators' Association) Honors and District Ensembles on trumpet. These included Wind Symphony Ensembles, Full Orchestra Ensembles, as well as Honors Jazz Ensembles. After high school, I attended the aforementioned Duquesne University in Downtown Pittsburgh, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, trumpet being my major instrument. While there, I studied with Charles Lirette, co-principal trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Throughout my rigorous studies learning to both teach and play brass, woodwind, percussion, strings, and voice, I had the pleasure to perform in numerous collegiate ensembles, including Symphony Band, Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. After graduation from Duquesne, I received my teaching credential for K-12 Music in Pennsylvania in combination with my Bachelor's degree. I currently hold a California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Music, and recently completed a Masters of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. My teaching philosophy is that students can learn to love and appreciate music, while becoming the best musician they can possibly be. I do believe everyone has an innate talent for music. Whether that talent is realized or not depends on the dedication of one's teacher, and the efforts of the student. My approach is constructivist in nature; that is, the teacher should take into account the ability level of each student, and tailor content to them to optimize their understanding. Patience, compassion, and understanding should be balanced equally with high expectations and consistent encouragement. Sharing my love of music with people of all ages is a true delight!