Jessica is a classically trained professional violinist and violist with over 20 years of playing experience, currently based in Saint Louis, Missouri. She holds a B.A. in Music Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory, a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music from University of Maryland (B.C.) and her M.M. in Music Education from Boston University School of Music. She attended the nationally recognized Baltimore School for the Arts where she was named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar of Music and completed further studies in England, Northern Ireland. After graduating, she performed with various orchestras in the Maryland, Virginia, and DC area, as well as managed and performed in a professional string quartet until deciding to teach full time.

"Music has been passion of mine since a very young age, so it was inevitable that it would end up being my career. Naturally, a love for teaching the wonders of music followed suit!
 
I've been teaching violin and viola professionally for over 12 years now am always encouraging my students to go above and beyond. My experience includes teaching private and group lessons at my private studio, students' homes, as well as at various music schools, summer camps and festivals. Advanced students have been awarded spots in All-State competitions, nationally recognized youth orchestras, summer festivals as well as admission to competitive conservatories.
 
I am also a registered Suzuki Violin/Viola teacher and have attended many teachers workshops in order to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work with all ages and levels of students, including those with learning disabilities, such as ADD and FAS. I choose and mold every lesson depending on specific, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  Use of games make learning the violin fun and accessible for young children. If you are a more advanced, serious player, more intensive lessons, technical exercises and repertoire will follow suit. Music theory (reading and interpreting music) is incorporated in lessons. Repertoire is diverse and exciting and based on students' interests. I strive to include various teaching approaches for the visual or aural learner. Guaranteed to keep you or your child engaged and interested!"