Valerie truly believes that the best gift any parent can give their child is the gift of music.
She studied classical violin throughout her childhood, teen and young adult years, graduating from the U of A with her Bachelor of Education Degree, majoring in music.
Val taught music at the American School Foundation of Monterrey (Mexico,) at two American schools in China (Shenzhen and Suzhou) as well as in Belize. Valerie founded violin programs in both Suzhou and Belize which remain highlights of her overseas teaching career.
Val loves playing classical music still, but she has also immersed herself into fiddling. She is the Gig Director for Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association, and loves playing at jams, for dances, at festivals, seniors organizations, as well as in fiddle contests.
Joining the teaching staff at Amadeus Music School is the “cherry on top” of her musical life now. Teaching violin at Amadeus and watching her students blossom and progress each week has become Valerie’s “happy space.”
To all parents: whether it is violin, piano, guitar, singing, or any other instrument, gifting your child with a musical education is one of the most loving things you can do for them. Valerie is proof of that. Each time she holds her violin in her hands, it grounds her, and her heart is full of gratitude to both her mother and father for this most precious gift.