About
cellist | studio musician | performer | teacher
I began playing the cello during elementary school and eventually took it seriously enough to choose a new cello over having a car! I knew I wanted to pursue music so I began studying music at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and eventually learned about music therapy and the program offered at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire which is where I ended up finishing my studies and completing my degree in music therapy.
During college is when I first began working in recording studios with local bands. Sessions called for me to improvise or arrange parts which is a skill I had to learn since my focus had been on sight-reading. I feel that having the ability to improvise and sight read in the studio helps me to contribute to many genres of music and has led to numerous recordings played throughout my career. To hear selected samples of my recordings, please see my discography page.
College was also the time that I began performing live in front of audiences. It’s one thing to record the perfect part for a song, but quite another to bring that part to life in front of a live audience. This is where the music really lives and breathes and it’s what I truly love to do. Being a part of a band is an experience that lifts me up and makes me feel complete.
I wanted to share my experiences with what I had learned from music and the cello with others and so I began to offer cello lessons. I’m dedicated to making music lessons a fun, comfortable, and convenient experience for students of all ages and skill levels. I never want our lessons to seem too much of a chore or a not fun experience. I’ve had those experiences in the past, and I know that learning an instrument can sometimes be hard work, but I want to make the process fun and the work, a bit more fun.
marketer | promoter | original music junkie
As I began playing with more and more musicians, I saw the need for Social Media Management, especially right now, as musicians cannot play gigs and have to spread their music digitally. I can provide you with everything you need to be successful on your social media channels. Includes content creation, publishing, community management and reporting.
Next, I saw the need for quality booking. What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, and guest demographics? I can guide you through the planning process, making decision making a little bit easier! I’ve been embedded in the Midwest music scene for over 15 years playing, booking and creating opportunities for artists to perform. As Account Executive for ACA Music & Entertainment, I help book, manage and promote bands such as Cameron Webb, Chris Haise Band, Dan Lepien and more to local venues, festivals, and private events. Contact me at thea@acaentertainment.com for more info on booking.
Lastly, I’m a bit of a local music nerd and might go as far as a little obsessed with original music. It gives me joy seeing others create and share their art. I try to help promote all of the great original music in the Midwest. I’d love to chat further and get to know you better to see what we can do together!