When did your love of music begin?
My love of music was first inspired by my grandfather, who was a self-taught musician, and my parents, who were always so supportive of me from a very young age.
What’s the best thing about being music director at SDYS?
As Music Director, I always want to do everything I can to provide the best possible pathways for students and families to have their lives enriched by music, through collaboration, inspiration and the pursuit of musical excellence. It is my hope that each musician will have very special memories of their time at SDYS and of all of the wonderful music that they created together with their friends.
What does family mean to you?
To me music is family; music unites all of us, it inspires all of us, the beauty of music gives us joy each day and it transcends time. Music is how we hear the world around us and how we connect with each other.
How do you mentor young musicians?
It is actually the musicians who inspire me each week. Their talent, their dedication, their teamwork and their collective support for each other are truly inspirational to me and I always strive to find the best ways possible to foster their talent and creativity and to provide opportunities to empower them each week.
What does mentoring mean to you?
For me, mentoring means helping to empower others to achieve, grow, learn and to enjoy and love what they do in all walks of life. To be a mentor means that you are a catalyst for empowering others to succeed and to experience the joy that comes with achievement and success. The mentors who had the most lasting and meaningful impact on me were always those who were honest with me, who believed in me, and who challenged me in a kind, supportive and genuine way.
What are your goals for the future of SDYS programs?
My wish for all of the students and families at SDYS is that music will continue to be a beacon of inspiration, unity, achievement and empowerment for everyone and that each musician will have a better life because of the positive impact of music in their lives.
What’s one piece of advice for young musicians right now?
Always pursue your dreams to the very fullest. Always remember that music is a very special gift that you can share each day to inspire others. Always dedicate yourself to be your personal best and to be the very best part of your team that you can be in all of your endeavors, and always remember to be thankful to everyone in your life for bringing the joy of music to you and for always supporting you. You all can make the world better each day through your beautiful music!
