"My teaching philosophy is simple. I always want to see a classroom where students feel both comfortable and challenged. Where learning to ask good questions (I mean big questions, difficult questions, questions that matter) counts for more than coming up with final answers, especially since we'll be talking about art, creativity, society, culture."

"Ultimately, if I have done my job in both my practical music and my music-in-culture courses correctly, students will understand that, while mastery of musical craft is important, it is but a means to an end, which is to communicate as immediately and effectively as possible with one's audience."

"Discussing literature often lends itself to having engaging, complex conversations about human experience and conditions. It's fascinating."

"College programs should be models of healthy, safe, and positive environments for students and should foster the development of positive self-esteem."