About Me
Hello, and welcome to Mindful Melodies! My name is Christie, and I'm excited about the opportunity to get to know you. In the meantime, here's a little about me!
I'm a Colorado native who fell in love with the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. I was interested in music from an early age. My parents fostered this love of music by enrolling me in piano lessons as soon as I was big enough to reach the keys. They encouraged me to participate in choir throughout my childhood which started my singing journey. In middle school and high school, I participated in musical theatre productions, a local audition-only choir, and my school's music program. High school brought about my love for contemporary music, and a newfound passion for solo singing. I began private voice lessons towards the latter half of my junior year, in preparation for auditions. I was a member of the Colorado All-State Choir in 2012, and went on to audition for Duquesne University's Music Therapy Program.
My studies at Duquesne led me to focus on Jazz Voice, studying first with the late Maureen Budway, and later with Kelley DeFade. I was a featured vocalist with the Duquesne Jazz Ensemble, and also participated in local events. In the fall of my sophomore year, I began tutoring students for music theory and piano lessons, which started my teaching experience! I began teaching privately in the fall of 2015, and have worked with countless students across the years. I teach all genres of music, and believe that all music has valid pedagogical application when tailored to a student's level and needs.
In my time at Duquesne, I worked with various music therapists in the Pittsburgh area in different settings, including children with developmental disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with various psychological diagnoses. I am comfortable providing adaptive lessons to individuals who would like a unique, personalized approach to lessons; after all, music is not one-size-fits-all!
My musical journey has been influenced by many teachers along the way. In fact, I am constantly learning myself! Seeking lessons with renowned teachers, such as Natalie Weiss, has inspired me to take a person-first approach to lessons. Rather than focusing on one set methodology, lessons are adapted to fit the needs of each individual student.
This unique perspective of music has inspired my central focus in teaching: mindful music-making. In a culture that is so focused on production, it is easy to lose the joy of a hobby. And music is allowed to be just that! I tell all of my students that the process of making music is just as important as the product you have created. Music is just as valid in your life whether it pays your bills or is one of them, or anywhere in between. At the end of the day, nothing brings me more joy than knowing that a student has found their outlet through the process of creating music.