Laura began violin at age 3 and piano soon after. By age 11, she knew that being a musician was her calling in life. During high school and college she discovered her love for teaching. As an adult she's had the privilege of getting to play professionally with some orchestras, string quartets, celtic bands, and perform and teach at camps and contra-dances.
Performing experience on violin, viola, and piano as a member Copper Kelly Celtic Band, Billings Ceilidh Fiddlers, Stillwater String Quartet, Billings Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra of the Rockies, Yellowstone Chamber Players, and as the music director and pianist at Rocky Mountain Community Church.
Education and teaching experience: B.M. Violin Performance from Wheaton College, M.Ed. with an emphasis in music from Montana State University-Billings. Private studio 2000-current, 5th-8th grade orchestra classes, K-6 general music classes, and Celtic fiddling.
Teaching Philosophy
I love watching students grow and develop - each one with different gifts, desires, and ways of learning. I want my students to learn the language of music and to appreciate the beauty around them - beautiful music, great friendships, joyful music-making.
In a success-oriented, competitive world, it is so important for all of us to just take a step back and appreciate that each person is a unique and beautiful being, and life isn't merely about "winning", but about creativity, comradery, and building each other up.
Teacher training: