I am an eclectic musician, with a special focus on musics of the Middle East and Brazil. Trained classically, I have wide ranging experience with Western classical, Eastern classical (Arabic), Brazilian forro, samba, and samba batucada as a percussionist, Argentine tango, exposure to folk music of Eastern Europe, Ireland, and elsewhere, contemporary composition, and jazz. I have played as a free improvisor, musician for weddings, chamber rock musician, as a theater musician for socially conscious puppet theater, and for modern dance, folk dance and Arab dance companies. I currently perform with the National Arab Orchestra in Detroit, and locally with Samba Meu, Amwaaj (classical Arab ensemble), a new venture featuring world music and original composition called Ottie the Mink, and Aby Wolf's project Champagne Confetti.

I began playing the violin at age 8 and received exclusively Western Classical training up through my time in conservatory. After college, I began exploring, eventually landed in a folk orchestra which exposed me to folk music from around the world, and which led me to seek out many different ways of being a musician.

I have been teaching students from age 4-79 for over 24 years and am a member of ASTA (American String Teachers Association). Some of my students are purely interested in classical training, others are fiddle players interested in improving their technique or are adult beginners trying something new. I work with all levels and really enjoy tailoring curriculum for each student's unique needs and interests. Many of my young students have been members of GTCYS or MYS. I incorporate some level of theory and improvisation into all of my teaching. And my own experience receiving movement therapy has led me to emphasize efficient and pain-free movement when playing.