What Makes a Great Teacher?

Bobby Stroem is much more than my former guitar teacher. He's my mentor, and he's why I teach. Bobby opened up the whole world of music to me, and changed my life for the better. He's built up my self-confidence. He's taught me not only about music, but also about life. I've never met anyone as humble, hard-working, giving, passionate, and persevering as Bobby. He's still out there overcoming obstacles, making truly amazing music, and striving to make his own dreams come true. It's inspirational. He's a true rock star. 

 Rachel & Jeremy Pores are bringing up the next generation of rockers! They've exposed me to different instruments, styles and instructors.They've given me the opportunity to perform on stage, from tiny gigs to a 10,000 seat arena. They've shown me how to belong as part of a band. They know me as a person and as a musician and encourage me to be me on stage. Rachel has the most infectious positive energy and unbelievable voice, and Jeremy has so much drive and determination that he instills in us, plus he's a beast on drums. They care a lot about their students, are very talented musicians, and are two of the hardest working people in show biz.Matt Ruff has been one of SOR instructors for the last few years and helps me not only with my rock music, but also with my. theater vocals. He's super talented and I love that he is a thespian rocker, just like me. 

My musical directors at Hoboken High are some of the most important people in the world to me. They are all extremely giving and super talented! They create more than theater and music experiences, they also create communities where students can be themselves, together. The performances they put together are seriously phenomenal.

Top L-R: These three have been guiding me since kindergarten and have literally helped me grow up! I don't know where I'd be today if they hadn't seen something special in me all those years ago. That they stick with me, all these years, is mind-blowing. I'm grateful for them. Kristen Hoyt, musical director. She has been my school music teacher, theater music director, private vocal instructor, and biggest champion. She just gets me. She lights up the room and has the most incredible voice I've ever heard. Danielle Miller, drama, music, & arts supervisor. She was the first to cast me in a show, and changed my life for the better. She has built this award-winning drama department that keeps getting even stronger, and she is an absolute force. Making her proud is incredibly important to me. Britteny Schruerer, choreographer. She's done the impossible, made me look passable as a dancer on stage! She is a true artist in how she directs our onstage movement to create these special, entertaining shows. Plus she's super funny.

Bottom L-R: Derek Kinnear, director. I learn so from him as my theater director + teacher, every day. He expands my knowledge of all things acting-related, and has the adoration of the entire theater dept! I have a lot of fun trying to prove myself worthy of his respect. Maria Monblatt, strings (violin) instructor. Her determination, motivation, and sunny disposition have somehow turned a bunch of teen violin novices into a beautiful orchestra! Me, at a HHS strings performance.

 I was super fortunate to attend this amazing 2023 summer program, alongside really talented musicians from all over the world. Top international instructors trained me in guitar, music theory, recording, performance, and all sorts of labs from conducting to song writing to flamenco! 

Top L-R: Javier Vercher, Ivan Cebrian, Dani Flors

Bottom: Katie Irwin, Director, Summer Performance 

My first musical teacher. He's "where I got it from." He played cello for years before I was born, and introduced me to piano, harmonica, and classical music. He would not have enjoyed my love of heavy metal (which honestly has a lot of similarities to classical!), but he would have been very proud of me.