Music and the Brain

My interest in neuroscience began as an undergraduate at Oberlin College and Conservatory, where I double-majored in viola performance and neuroscience. Throughout my education, I continued to be involved in both areas of interest, doing independent studies on music and the brain while at New England Conservatory, and taking graduate-level classes in neuroscience at Rice University while completing my doctorate in viola performance. 

My area of expertise is applying the science of learning and memory to practicing and performing, and I love sharing this information with fellow musicians. On this page, you will find videos, articles, podcasts, and other resources on the neuroscience of practicing. If you are interested in hosting me as a presenter, you’ll find a list of the presentations I can offer, plus a selected list of previous presentations to give you a better idea of my work in this area.

Videos

Podcasts

Articles and Other Resources

Presentations

Selected List of Presentations on the Neuroscience of Practicing:

View the presentations I offer here. If you'd like me to present for your organization, please contact me.

Higher Ed
Baylor University School of Music
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
California Institute for the Arts
Central Michigan University
Concordia College
Hartt School of Music
Illinois State University
The Juilliard School
Lawrence University
McGill University
New England Conservatory of Music
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Texas Christian University
Texas State University School of Music
Texas Tech University
University of Arizona
University of Central Florida
University of Kansas
University of Michigan  
University of North Texas
University of Tennessee-Knoxville 
University of Texas-Arlington
University of Utah
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Utah State University
Vanderbilt University

Professional Conferences and Workshops:
American String Teachers Association National Conference
American String Teachers Association Workshops in DC/MD, SC, and Saskatoon
American Viola Society Festival
International Viola Society Congress
Suzuki Association of the Americas National Conference
Suzuki Association Workshops in AZ, CO, CT, TN, IN, UT
MEA/MTNA Conferences in AZ, WI, NC, GA

International
Associação Brasileira de Violistas (Brazil)
Festival Internacional de Cuerdas (Costa Rica)
Festival Interviolas Bogotá (Colombia)
Finnish Viola Society (Finland)

Summer Festivals
Chautauqua Institution Music School
Connecticut Suzuki School Summer Workshop
Credo Summer Music Festival
Interlochen Arts Camp
Montecito International Music Festival
Oberlin Viola Workshop
Rocky Ridge Music Center
Sewanee Summer Music Festival
Sphinx Performance Academy
Summer Strings Academy for Girls
Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) National Institute

Youth Orchestras and Prep Programs
Cleveland Youth Orchestra  
Connecticut Youth Symphony
Hartt School of Music
Interlochen Arts Academy
Montverde Academy
Music School of Delaware
Samuel Vargas Foundation
Suzuki School of Delaware
Vail Youth Symphony
Western Reserve Suzuki School

Teacher Professional Development
Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association 
Atlanta Music Teachers Association
Chippewa Valley Music Teachers Association (WI)
Eau Claire School District Professional Development (WI)
Francis Clarke Foundation Seminar Series
Gilbert Schools Professional Development (AZ)
Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association
Peoria USD Professional Development (AZ)
St. Croix Valley Music Teachers Association (WI)
Tucson USD Professional Development
Waunakee Public School District Professional Development (WI)