One of my most important goals as a teacher is to help students discover how music can play a positive role in their lives. I believe it is essential to encourage students to develop not only strong instrumental skills, but also their own unique musical identities. Through my work, I strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that foster artistic growth and inspire a lifelong appreciation of music.

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Students study and perform a wide variety of styles, ranging from classical and acoustic fingerstyle to blues and rock. Regardless of genre, the focus is on developing fluency and ease on the guitar, while building the skills and confidence needed to perform with others and explore new music without barriers.

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I bring over a decade of experience in higher education and hold a Master’s degree in Music from Syracuse University. I have served on the faculties of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Onondaga Community College, teaching individual lessons, chamber ensembles, and classroom-based music courses.

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In addition to my academic work, I am the founder and director of The Westcott Music School, a community-based music studio offering private instruction to students of all ages and backgrounds. My students have gone on to pursue music at major universities, including Berklee College of Music and Syracuse University. I also serve as President of the Great Lakes Guitar Society, an organization dedicated to fostering community through the arts and providing educational programming to the public.