Sophie (she/they) genuinely loves watching students of all ages grow into confident musicians. Since moving to Vermont in 2022, she graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Psychology and Music, and has become an active part of the Burlington music community.

Sophie has been playing for over 15 years and says yes to just about any opportunity to make music. Her experience includes jazz bands, concert bands, marching band and drum corps, pit orchestras, pep bands, rock bands, and a variety of independent projects. She currently performs with several local groups, and that active performance life keeps her teaching grounded in real-world musicianship.

Her approach to teaching blends strong fundamentals with creativity and curiosity. She wants students not only to learn the music they’re excited about, but to understand how to practice effectively, listen deeply, and continue learning on their own. Teens often come to her looking to strengthen their skills for jazz band, marching band, drum corps, or as they form their own bands. Adult students may be starting fresh, returning after years away, or just wanting to improve their overall technique. All lessons focus on building confidence, filling in technical gaps, and the joy of playing.

Over the past year, Sophie has also taught at Trinity Children’s Center, where she discovered how much she enjoys working with younger students. She welcomes learners as young as four and strives to create a lesson space that feels supportive, focused, and encouraging — a place where kids can challenge themselves, make mistakes, and grow.

For Sophie, music isn’t just something to practice — it’s something to share. That belief shapes every lesson.