I think back to my relationships and experiences growing up that have inspired, taught, and encouraged me to decide to pursue a career serving others through my love of music. Starting as an infant, my family has taken me to classes at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). I took “Young Musician” classes starting at 18 months of age, followed by recorder/ensemble classes, flute lessons, and flute ensemble.

As I got older, I volunteered in the younger classrooms and assisted my teachers with the running of free community programs such as “Meet the Instruments” for local school age children, so they could be introduced to the joys of music and be given opportunities to learn. Throughout high-school, my flute teacher set up engagements, both paid and pro bono for my flute ensemble to perform throughout our community. I especially enjoy reaching out to the elderly in retirement homes, watching them enjoy familiar tunes, and hearing about their experiences with music.

I remember my childhood piano teacher, who I lost to cancer when I was sixteen. She instilled a deep sense of responsibility for sharing music with my community in a variety of venues, which I started doing at the age of six. My flute teacher inspired me to play in an orchestra, which I auditioned for and started in 8th grade, with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra. This led to my absolute love of orchestra and my current flute position as Principal Second Flute in the PYSO Philharmonic.

My days are filled with the beauty and wonder of music and I love sharing it with so many people. I plan on working towards Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance from The Master’s University and The University of Southern California respectively and I hope to someday work at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music as a flute teacher.

During my time at PCM, the teachers that have made the most influence on me are, Miss Sally and Miss Elizabeth Zacharias in Young Musicians, Miss Rebecca and Ms. Rachael Doudrick in Recorder Ensemble, Ms. Katie Eames in Music Theory, Mrs. Cindy Williams as my piano accompanist and current piano teacher, and Ms. Barbara Mullens-Geier as my current flute and flute ensemble teacher. Many others have taught and encouraged me through my studies at the school. I thank everyone for all their help and support! I look forward to my Senior Recital in June!