My name, Amanda comes from the Latin root Amore, meaning beloved or worthy of love. The love I hold dearest in my heart and soul comes from music. My passion for life, love and happiness all stem from and gravitate toward the power of music.
From the time I was a little girl, I always had music inside of me. I had the amazing fortune to have supportive parents to help me channel this musical talent. Having grown up in Long Island, New York, I was exposed to the rich culture Manhattan had to offer. I began my horn studies at the age of 10 and by 8th grade started studying at Juilliard Pre-college. After 3 rigorous years of classical training at Juilliard, I transferred to Manhattan School of Music Pre-college to work with Erik Ralske, current principal horn of the Metropolitan Opera.
From 2002-2006, I freelanced in regional orchestras in Ohio and Pennsylvania as well as taught horn students ages ranging from 9-18. I performed with the Canton, Akron, Mansfield, Youngstown, Warren and Erie Symphony Orchestras. In 2006, I graduated with my Bachelor of Music in horn performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). At CIM, I studied with Rick Solis, Eli Epstein and Rich King of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Other major teachers who haveinfluenced my playing are Greg Miller, Hector Rodriguez, David Jolley, Stuart Rose, Peter Schoettler, Michael Herzlin, Carolyn Wahl, Adam Unsworth, Lucinda Lewis, Karen Schneider, Ann Ellsworth and Dan Grabois. I've also had the honor of participating in masterclasses with Julie Landsman, Jen Montone, and Jerome Ashby.
After nearly a nine year hiatus, I am a born again French horn player. At the age of 32, I was fortunate enough to have bariatric surgery which helped me lose 182 lbs to date. With my new exterior, I have the physical and emotional strength to follow my dreams. For the first time in my life, I am harnessing my energy and listening to my inner self. After more than seven years as a clinical social worker helping others, I am finally helping myself. Presently, I am freelancing throughout south and central Florida. This past year I completed a full season with the Miami Symphony playing 2nd horn. I also joined the Miami Lyric Opera as principal horn during their productions of Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore as well as played Assistant Principal horn with the Miami Wind Symphony. I have also been hired by professional contractors to play in many diverse performances including: brass chamber music with the Patriot Brass Ensemble, 3rd horn with Craig Turley’s production of the Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses held at the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center as well as featured solo and chamber performances throughout West Palm Beach. I have also performed with many local community groups including: Sunrise Pops, Broward Symphony Orchestra, Alhambra Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches, Boca Intergenerational Orchestra, and Royal Palm Beach Community Band. Additionally, I perform with the Nova Southeastern University and Palm Beach Atlantic University orchestras as needed. I am also an avid chamber musician and perform regularly in several groups including: Horn & Harp Duo, woodwind quintet, woodwind dectet and brass quintet.
I am very passionate about sharing my love of horn and music education. I am eager to build not only a horn studio, but more importantly a horn community. I am an active member of International Horn Society and participate in annual and regional conferences. This summer I will be performing in Masterclasses with Gail Williams, former associate principal horn of the Chicago Symphony as well as Nobuaki Fukukawa, a member of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo. I encourage my students to be active and take advantage of as many musical opportunities as possible.
In addition to offering horn lessons, I can also provide lessons in music theory, sight singing, ear training, basic keyboarding, rhythm & coordination as well as voice coaching. I am able to teach from my home in Tamarac and am also willing to travel. Horn students of all ages and abilities are welcome! Please contact me if you need a horn or small chamber ensemble for any special occasions. As a versatile musician, I welcome and provide a wide variety of performance and educational opportunities.