about me —
Hi, I’m Christa.
Mom, music teacher, fiddler, and small-farm steward. I’ve been making music with students of every age — from first-grade beginners to retirees in their nineties — across the Southern Tier of New York for over 15 years.
- Canaseraga, NY
- M.S., Music Education — Nazareth College
- NYS Certification, Birth–Gr. 12
- Violinist & violist
- Owner, Slader Creek Stables
- Faith, family, music, & the land
the longer story
From band room to barn.
I grew up loving music in the way only a kid in a small school in upstate New York can — with one inspiring teacher, a borrowed instrument, and a whole world that opened up because of it. I went on to study at Nazareth College of Rochester, earning a Bachelor of Music (Summa Cum Laude) and then a Master of Science in Music Education, supported by the Dean’s Scholarship, the Presser Award, and a graduate assistantship along the way.
Since 2009 I’ve taught music in public schools across the Southern Tier — at Canaseraga Central, Hornell, and currently Canisteo–Greenwood Central School, where I lead the grades 5–12 orchestra program. In between, I’ve directed elementary band, co-directed competitive field band at the New York State Field Band Championships, taken drumlines to two NY State Percussion Circuit titles, and conducted All-County festivals in Allegany and Steuben counties.
Outside of the school day, I’ve maintained a private studio since 2009, teaching individuals and small groups on strings, woodwinds, and brass. I’m a working performer too — you can find me playing violin or viola with the Genesee Symphony, Southern Tier Symphony, Houghton University Symphony, the Orpheus Chorale Christmas Cantata, and the occasional musical-theater pit.
When the day is done, you’ll likely find me at Slader Creek Stables, the small horse-boarding farm I run with my family in Canaseraga, walking the pasture and listening for the sound the wind makes through the back hill. Faith, family, music, and the land are the four corners of my life, and I bring all of them into the studio with me.
where I’ve taught
A short career snapshot.
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2019 → present
Orchestra Teacher — Canisteo-Greenwood Central
Grades 5–12. Individual and small-group lessons, full rehearsals, and a focus on growing each student musically and as a person.
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2014 → 2019
Band Teacher — Hornell City School District
Grades 4–8 band lessons and rehearsals. Co-directed the competitive field band that performed at the Carrier Dome and the drumline that won two NY State titles.
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2009 → 2014
Band Teacher — Canaseraga Central
Led the instrumental music program, taught Music Theory I & II in partnership with Corning Community College, and directed competitive marching band.
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2009 → present
Private studio teacher
Private lessons and small group classes for students of every age — children, teens, adults, and seniors — on strings, woodwinds, and brass, in person and online.
what you can count on
How I show up in the studio.
Kindness, always.
There’s no “you should already know that” energy here. Curiosity beats shame every time, at every age.
Music for the long road.
I aim for habits you keep for life, not tricks that vanish after one recital. Slow and steady, with real joy.
Family-friendly & local.
Schedules built around school, sports, chores, church, and the rhythms of a small-town family. We’ll figure it out together.
think we’d be a good fit?