I began playing the viola in third grade, and enjoyed playing in school orchestra.  In middle school I began taking private lessons, got involved with a youth orchestra, and in the years leading to my high school graduation, I truly fell in love with the instrument and with music, and I knew I would be involved in music for the rest of my life.  I auditioned to be a viola performance major at Arizona State University, was accepted, and am now just one recital away from receiving my Bachelor's degree in music.  Throughout my years at ASU, I have had the opportunity to play in classical orchestras, in chamber orchestras, in opera orchestras, in pops orchestras, and in various chamber music ensembles, most extensively in the string quartet setting.  I received private coachings from the St. Lawrence String Quartet, the Juilliard Quartet, the Orion Quartet, and the Maia Quartet, and have performed in solo masterclasses for legendary violists Joseph de Pasquale and Samuel Rhodes.  My music interests have led down other avenues as well.  During high school, I picked up the electric bass and guitar and played in a few bands with some friends for fun.  I have also enjoyed singing in choir and learning the piano since entering ASU.  Last summer, I participated in jazz string quartet playing, and this past spring I composed a tango for violin, viola, double bass, classical guitar, and piano.  Music is hugely important in my life, and I always relish the opportunity to share it with others!