Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m finishing my master’s degree right now in choral conducting at Michigan State University. I also did my undergrad degree at Michigan State and I taught junior high choir for three years at the public schools in Battle Creek, Mich. I was at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek and served as their choir director and started a children’s choir for them. And then I stopped teaching to come back to school full time. Now I’m with Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing doing their children’s music.

So why did you decide to go back to school for choral conducting?
There are a couple of factors. The professional factor was that to teach in the public schools in Michigan, you are required to continue your schooling to keep your certification. That’s the unglamorous answer. The other reason is I’m so passionate about teaching. After teaching three years I was really comfortable in the classroom and comfortable with what I was doing with music. I really felt it was the time to continue growing, and stretch and challenge myself as a teacher and musician.

Did you study conducting in your undergraduate degree?
Actually we did a lot with conducting in the undergrad degree program. We had several semesters of conducting and choral music pedagogy. But you know, for anyone who has gone through student teaching or just started teaching, the first year or so is always kind of tenuous. You’re getting your bearings. And then after a few years you definitely kind of lock in and feel more confident with your skills. That’s the point at which I decided it was time to really learn more and expand.

Do you play any instruments?
I’m a singer, that’s my primary instrument. When I came back to school, I actually started two master’s degrees. I’ve been in a lot of operas during the past ten years and I was considering doing a degree in voice performance. But I decided on just completing the conducting degree because I am more passionate about teaching and working with people. Right now I’m directing a college-level choir here at Michigan State. I’m also assistant director to the women’s glee club here. I sing in two other ensembles here on campus and I teach voice lessons on the side. I also direct the music for a local high school’s musical production, and I work at church. I’m a soloist and I do the Sunday school music and the kids’ music.