Who I am:

I am a clarinetist, teacher, and scholar. I recently graduated with my Master of Music in Clarinet Performance with a cognate in Contemporary Music from the University of North Texas. My master’s research focused primarily on aspects of notation in contemporary American and Italian repertoire and their influence on performer experience. I also hold my Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from Florida State University. As a clarinetist, my interests lie in the performance of the music of our time, as well in national clarinet schools and the intersection of culture and pedagogy. I am also a passionate teacher and maintain a private clarinet studio of students of diverse ages and abilities. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching films, and going for long walks.

My Fulbright grant focuses on:

I will be studying Polish clarinet culture, focusing primarily on contemporary repertoire and pedagogy, through individual study, field research, and manuscript work. I am affiliated with dr hab. Barbara Borowicz-Sałdan at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków, the center of research in Polish music; through my study with her, I will learn the history, philosophy, and interpretation of Polish music for clarinet and gain a first-hand perspective of Polish clarinet pedagogy. Poland’s musical history is rich and unique, but is largely unknown in the United States due to a historical lack of communication between the nations; it is my hope that my research can help introduce this music to my American colleagues and foster closer cooperation between Polish and American clarinetists in the future.

I decided to apply for a Fulbright grant because:

Fulbright provides a unique opportunity for me to fully immerse myself in the culture and learn from expert performers of Polish music, an opportunity that is only available in Poland. This work will not only further my personal development as a performer, but will also allow me to experience a different musical culture, developing a unique perspective that I can share with my students and colleagues. I believe passionately in building a global community, both in my profession and in my personal life, and am so excited to make new friends and colleagues in Poland.

After completing my Fulbright grant I would like to:

Upon completing my Fulbright grant, I plan to begin a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Clarinet Performance as the next step towards my career as a university professor of clarinet. As a professor, I will continue to encourage international cooperation in my profession both by working with students from around the world and encouraging my students to pursue international opportunities themselves.