My Philosophy
Music should spark imagination, confidence, and lifelong joy.
I want my students to love music and find joy in creating and sharing music with others throughout their lives. I hope that it will be something that sparks their imagination as they create different sounds and tell stories through their music. I hope to instill that enjoyment with each student.
Professional Background
Certification
- Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Permanent Professional, MTNA
- Organist, Colleague Certified, American Guild of Organists
Professional Memberships
- Member of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA)
- Member of Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA)
- Member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
- Member of Virginia Federation of Music Clubs (VFMC)
Education and Community Music
- MusicLink Teacher for over 10 years
- Accompanist for instrumentalists and vocalists
- Church choir accompanist from 1997-2018 and 2022-present
- Church children's music leader 2019-2020
- Church organist 2000-present, Service Player and Colleague Certification with AGO
- B.S. in Medical Technology from Brigham Young University
Leadership and Writing
Leadership and Service
- 2026-present VMTA State Certification Chair
- 2025-present NVMTA Social Events Coordinator
- 2018-2021 Webmaster for NVMTA; 2021-present regular contributor to the NVMTA blog
- 2022-2025 VMTA Recording Secretary
- 2013-2022 Led development of NVMTA's scheduling system (mtfest) from its inception, and served as a liaison for resolving technical issues, updating, and maintaining the site
- 2019-2020 NVMTA Nomination Committee Chair
- 2018 Liaison with Amadeus Orchestra to coordinate NVMTA Student Winners Performance of Concerto Competitions
- 2017-2019 President of NVMTA; chaired committee to create the new nvmta.org website
- 2016 Member-at-Large for NVMTA Executive Board
- 2013 Honored by NVMTA as "Most Valuable Member" for work on mtfest
- 2008-2017 Theory Mastery Co-Chair for NVMTA
- Prior to 2000 Achievement Awards Competition: Piano, Co-Chair
Presentations
- "Engage, Inspire, Connect: Building a Vibrant Local Music Teachers' Association," MTNA National Conference 2026 Chicago
- Creating Camaraderie with Adult Students, to be presented at the National MTNA Conference 2025
- "Policies That Shape Success!" VMTA State Conference 2025 at George Mason University
- Rediscovered Intermediate Level Music by Albert Rozin (1907-1987), presented at VMTA State Conference 2024
- NVMTA General Meeting Presentation 2020: Teaching Music Theory in Fun Ways with Virtual Lessons
Publications and Projects
2005 "My Road to Certification" in American Music Teacher magazine. Rene shared her experience certifying with a non-traditional approach and encouraged other teachers to seek certification with MTNA.
October 2022 in The American Organist Magazine, "Potomac Organ Institute Models a Scholarship Program to Recruit Pianists."
Spring 2024 Canadian Music Teacher's Magazine, "Tapping into Curiosity, How Titles Can Ignite Learning," focused on the repertoire of Albert Rozin (1907-1987).
Fall 2024, Virginia Music Teachers Association Newsletter, Pedagogy Corner, "Albert Rozin," p. 18-19.
Member of production team for the albertrozin.com website, 2022-2024.
Beyond the Studio
Music, curiosity, and a full life outside the lesson room.
In addition to music, René's personal interests include backpacking, including DIY backpacking sewing projects, hiking, biking, travel, Spanish conversation, playing the organ, science fairs, and reading.