• sage etters •
As a Berklee College of Music alumni, I attended the most prestigious contemporary music school in the world. I was exposed to so many amazing styles of music and performed alongside the most incredible musicians you can imagine. Working hard, I concentrated my studies on performance, arranging, and songwriting, and graduated Magna cum Laude a semester early. Today, I take my experiences, knowledge, and diligence from Berklee and infuse it into the work I produce.
Prior to Berklee, I had been classically trained and performed in youth, district, and state symphony orchestras - playing standard orchestral pieces and preparing cello concertos. As my fascination of interpreting contemporary music on a classical instrument grew, I became the first ever violinist and cellist in my high school jazz band. I began to transcribe and arrange some of my favourite songs for string ensembles - and to this day continues to be one of my primary enjoyments.
As a teacher, I use a hybrid approach between classical and contemporary methods: from the exceptional foundation of Suzuki, to traditional scales and etudes, then rounding it out with popular music and students learning their favourite pieces by ear. Jazz and contemporary studies are a great way to build upon one's technique and learn about music with a fresh approach that is both challenging and fun!
Working in the music industry has been a life long passion of mine. Music is in my soul and runs through my blood . What I cherish most is the opportunity to share this gift with others and help students grow and achieve their goals. In truth, experiencing the universal language of music together is a gift in itself.
AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Berklee College of Music | Bachelor Degree in Professional Music | Performance, Songwriting, and Arranging | Magna cum Laude (2009)
• Berklee College of Music | String Department Achievement Award (2007-2008)
• National School Orchestra Award (2005)
• Tri-M Music Honors Society (2004-2005)
• Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (1999-2005)
• IMEA / All-State, District, and Fox Valley Conference Orchestras (2001-2005)
Photographer: Detlef Körtge