Bio
Dedicated and versatile saxophonist/music educator with experience in music performance, private instruction, and K-12 education. Studied saxophone under Dr. Matthew James, DMA (University of North Texas), professor of saxophone at Ohio University. Skilled across a wide range of musical disciplines, including classical, jazz, contemporary styles, and composition, with extensive experience performing in large ensembles, chamber groups, and solo settings. Extremely committed to creating a learning environment revolving around independent pedagogical approaches based on the students' distinct capabilities, needs, and desires.
Experience
Completed dual B.M.s in Music Education and Saxophone Performance at Ohio University, graduating with honors. Distinguished member of the Ohio University Saxophone Studio, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble 1, "Nails On A Chalkboard" Saxophone Quartet, and The Nathaly Pagoaga Reed Quintet. Served as treasurer of the Ohio University Jazz Club and competed as a member of the Ohio University Men's Cross Country team.
Accolades/
Professional Development
Winner of the 2025 Ohio University Student Soloist Competition. Received individual recognition as an Outstanding Performer for Ohio University Jazz Ensemble 1’s First Prize Performance at the 2024 California State University Bakersfield Doug Davis Endowment, awarded for the ensemble’s recording of Doug Davis’s “B & Me." A four-time participant in the Ohio University Jazz Ensemble 1 tour, engaging professionally with thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students, offering performances, outreach, and educational experiences across the region. Additional honors include being a three-time Academic All-MAC athlete within the Ohio University Men’s Cross Country team, a five-time Dean’s List recipient, and the 2020 John Philip Sousa Award winner at Lake High School. Performance achievements also include presenting Ohio University’s first soprano saxophone-only recital. Served as treasurer of the Ohio University Jazz Club, offering leadership within the university’s jazz community and overseeing the financial coordination necessary to bring professional jazz musicians to perform at the university.
