About Me
If you're looking for a formal bio, it's available HERE. But if you're interested in reading the inside scoop on my perspective, you're in the right place - keep reading!
​I am a musician, educator, and arts administrator based in Pittsburgh, PA. I am an advocate and creator of accessible, non-traditional concert experiences. I believe everyone has the ability to bring music directly into communities, breaking down barriers and offering safe spaces for interpersonal connection and reflection.
​
My day job (and occasional night and weekend job) is as the Operations Coordinator at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Here, I use my artistic expertise and leadership skills to support world-class, Grammy-winning performances. Some days, I obsess over surveys; others, I call stage cues; and occasionally, I work with artists like Sting, Laufey, and John Williams.
​​
Outside of work at the PSO, I am a teaching artist, songwriter, and sound healing practitioner. I have produced and performed all over the local community through organizations like Azure Family Concerts, Monique Mead's Sound Healing Studio, and Lullaby Project Pittsburgh, which I co-founded. My overall mission is to make music a source of joy, healing, and empowerment for all.
So, what do I do as a "Teaching Artist?"
A teaching artist is a practicing artist who brings their creative expertise into educational and community settings. Teaching artists work in schools, community programs, healthcare settings, and beyond, using their artistic skills to engage, inspire, and educate.
​
For me, being a teaching artist means using music as a tool for connection, creativity, and storytelling. Through my work with the Lullaby Project, I’ve helped parents turn their love into song, giving them a voice in ways they never imagined. With Azure concerts, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, interactive performances can create joyful, welcoming spaces for neurodivergent audiences. I’ve learned how to bring music beyond the concert hall—meeting people where they are and making the arts feel personal, engaging, and accessible. ​
​Teaching artistry isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating experiences
that invite people in, spark curiosity, and remind us all why music matters.
As I navigate the music field, my time working at the Pittsburgh Symphony has been a game-changer. Working there has not only deepened my understanding but also allowed me to actively contribute to the creation of immersive concert experiences.
Daily interactions with a diverse array of musicians have broadened my perspective, enriching my knowledge and refining my approach to performance. It's not just a job; it's a continuous exchange of ideas and inspirations that fuels my growth as an artist.
​
And then there are moments, like meeting legends such as John Williams, where I'm not just a spectator but an active participant in soaking in wisdom and inspiration. It's about more than being a fan; it's about bringing that richness back to my own musical canvas.
My philosophy in everything I do can be boiled down to the belief that collaboration is the key to unlocking our full potential.
This is especially true of music - classical, pop, electronic, or otherwise - both as an art form and a vehicle for meaningful human connection.
