Projects

A woman giving a presentation in a room with a wooden wall. Behind her is a large screen displaying a slide about the health benefits of music. There is a piano, musical instruments, and equipment on a table nearby.
A woman giving a presentation in a room with a wooden wall. Behind her is a large screen displaying a slide about the health benefits of music. There is a piano, musical instruments, and equipment on a table nearby.

Aging with Artistry:

Enhancing Saxophone Education for Senior Learners through Specialized Curriculum and Methodology

My doctoral research explores how older adults engage in music education and what makes that experience meaningful, accessible, and empowering. Drawing on current studies, community-based music projects, and practical teaching strategies, it highlights how thoughtful repertoire selection, inclusive facilitation, and respect for life experience can help older learners thrive musically. The work offers actionable insights for educators, community groups, and anyone interested in lifelong learning through music.

Click here for a free download of my presentation slides used in my doctoral lecture recital.

Click here to read my dissertation on ProQuest.

A woman giving a lecture on motivation in a classroom with a piano, a large window, and students seated facing her.
A woman giving a lecture on motivation in a classroom with a piano, a large window, and students seated facing her.
Close-up of a beige sign with large black and gold lettering that says 'KEYSPARK'.
Close-up of a beige sign with large black and gold lettering that says 'KEYSPARK'.

KeySparK

An online platform originally designed for 7th-12th grade saxophonists with curated resources, a community forum, and online courses. KeySpark was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when many students lost access to instrumental study in the schools. KeySpark was inspired by my own experience growing up in rural Iowa and spending many hours sifting through online resource trying to find useful and trustworthy information. I am in the process of moving the keysparkmusic.com site to Skool.com.

Click here to join the community for free. All ages welcome.

A flyer describing KeySpark's programs: Online Group Classes with weekly sessions on musical topics, interactive and student choice, professional instruction; Virtual Resource Library with curated videos and archived classes; Student Forum for student collaboration, idea sharing, and questions, moderated by staff.