Teaching has been my way of extending that sense of community, confidence, and music gifted to me by my own teachers. I’ve had the privilege of fostering this space over the past sixteen years, through piano tutoring, teaching secondary classroom music, rehearsing and accompanying students, and directing ensembles.

Becoming parents in 2023 sparked a new perspective, about not only the life and community we want to create for our son, but also the kind of people we want to be as his parents. My husband and I are both music teachers, and we want our home to be filled with music—not just because it’s our job, but because it’s what we love. Those moments of spontaneous singing, dance parties, playing instruments, and enjoying live music together as a family are the moments I treasure most.

I’ve since learned about just how valuable music experiences like these—and music learning—are for babies’ and children’s development. I sought out baby music classes and drove 40 minutes to the closest one. This weekly pilgrimage has been a highlight of my week since our son was five months old, and I’ve seen first-hand the benefits that a quality music program, taught by an experienced and highly qualified musician and teacher, can have.

So here I am, with the little idea of The Music Nook now a reality—a leap of faith toward something new, but still very familiar, in a space closer to home.

Music is powerful—it fills the gaps and creates connections between (and within) us. I hope The Music Nook can become your place, with your people, where music is valued, shared, and experienced together.