I've had a passion for music for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I used to sit at the piano trying to teach myself to play from a stack of old lesson books that had been my mom's when she was young. When I finally started formal lessons in 6th grade, I threw myself into it with so much enthusiasm that my family eventually moved the piano into my bedroom — I think they just needed a break from listening to me practice!

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A year later, all that practicing paid off: I was asked to be the piano accompanist for my school choir. I liked to think it was because I was talented, but I later realized it was probably just because there was no other option! Either way, it was the start of a lifelong love affair with music. Playing built my confidence and became a part of who I am — and over the years, it's become a kind of therapy, bringing me real peace through the hard seasons of life. I want to share that gift with as many people as I can.

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I also love to paint. I'm a certified Bob Ross Landscape and Floral instructor and a certified portrait instructor, and painting portraits in the style of Valerie Stewart is my favorite thing to teach.

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One of the highlights of teaching — whether it's music or art — is watching my students' confidence grow as they master something new. I love it!

I’m a graduate of Mankato State University and I’ve played piano since my feet couldn’t touch the floor from the bench!  I love animals & I board dogs in my spare time.  I also love horses & show many disciplines including pleasure & barrel racing.  You likely saw me in junior & senior high school in the background helping pretty much anyone who needed an accompanist for choir or band.  I continued to play in college (that was really challenging!) and I am passionate about learning everything I can about teaching beginning students!  I love to get as many kids and adults playing piano as possible.  Yes!  Adults can learn too!!

I've been an avid violin and piano student for almost 20 years, starting back in elementary school under the guidance of several wonderful mentors. Over the years I've played in ensembles of all sizes, accompanied musicians at every skill level, and used performance opportunities to keep growing as a musician myself.

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I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in the fall of 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in K-12 Education. Since fall 2019, I've taught violin, piano, Latin, and Spanish at Genesis Classical Academy in Winnebago. In 2024, I started my own business, Altiora Music, because I saw a real need for quality music teachers in our area — my focus is helping students get truly event-ready, using efficient practice methods and real performance preparation, so they're not spending months on a piece and still feeling unprepared to perform it well.

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My primary instruments are violin and piano, though I've also taught viola and cello.