About Me
I'm Liz and I'm a passionate teacher and multi-instrumentalist originally from Maine. As an educator, my main focus is to help students of all ages and abilities to express themselves through the joy of music. My goal is to help students understand what makes the music they love so good and how to access that within themselves. As a performer, I have played in a range of venues and settings from Broadway theater pits to cozy living room house concerts. I bring my cross-genre experience, curiosity and expressiveness to live projects, studio sessions, and to the classroom. You can find me performing in Philly and NYC in various groups ranging from experimental improv, to art-pop, folk and country. I have my Bachelor's in Music from Mannes college and my Master's in Music from Yale School of Music.
"As an educator, my main focus is to help students of all ages and abilities to express themselves through the joy of music."
When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?
I started playing piano lessons when I was 7. This taught me the fundamentals of note reading and harmony. When I was 12, I started focusing on the guitar and became obsessed. I eventually transitioned to classical guitar which led me to my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Mannes College and Yale School of Music.
What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?
I played a little bit of drums when I was an early teenager. I have a trombone but haven't gotten very far with it...
What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?
Folk/country. I love using music to help elevate a songwriter's story telling.
What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?
I struggled with performance anxiety for many years. I still do at times but have developed strategies (breathing, visualization, proper preparation, etc) that help me continue to believe in myself.
What are some of your favorite teaching moments?
Watching students perform live is always a highlight. Getting to see them be proud of the things they've learned and overcome the fear of the stage never gets old.
What are some musical goals you hope to achieve?
I hope to keep playing in bands that I believe in and to continue to nurture and enjoy the amazing music community here in Philly.
What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?
My best advice would be to follow the music that most excites you. Seeing live music and meeting folks in music helps foster community which can be a great support tool. You will be surprised how much spending some amount of time, no matter how short, with your instrument every day will help you improve and grow your love of playing.