Meet the Teacher

Hi, I’m Nina!

I have always loved music and dreamed of building a career centered on sharing it with others. I began teaching while I was in high school, where I had the opportunity to help as a musical director in the theater program. I will never forget the joy I experienced watching my first “students” (my peers) perform with confidence!

I graduated Cum Laude from Colorado State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While at CSU, I took a class in vocal pedagogy and practiced teaching private lessons, which led me to working at a local music studio starting in 2017. In 2019, I was awarded “Teacher of the Year!”

Now, as I am building Zamar Music Studio, I am also building my career in the local music scene as a performer and opera singer. I am on the board of directors for Opera Fort Collins. I am also looking for a couple of musicians to join my band, Inhabiting Eternity!

My faith is a central part of my life and work. I love Jesus and desire for all I do to honor Him. However, my faith is not mentioned in lessons unless students either share that faith and desire to grow as a worship leader, or unless I’m asked about it! I love all people and accept everyone as they are, no matter what beliefs, preferences, or identities they hold. All are welcome and will be treated with honor at Zamar Music Studio!

Mission Statement

Zamar Music Studio is dedicated to empowering students of all ages through engaging and personalized music education, fostering not only musical skill and passion but also a healthy sense of self that enables authentic and joyful expression.

Vision Statement

Zamar Music Studio envisions a future where its holistic approach to music education, rooted in the praise of the Hebrew word Zamar, awakens passion and potential, fostering a vibrant community and inspiring individuals to joyfully express themselves throughout their lives.

“Zamar”

Zamar is a Hebrew word that means "to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments.” The word is found in multiple scriptures, but Psalm 147:1-7 is the passage that is the inspiration for Zamar Music Studio!

“Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
    for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
    He gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
    His understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the humble;
    He casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
    make melody to our God on the lyre!”

Values

Love of music

  • I do my best to ensure that learning music remains fun and enjoyable so that students love music all throughout their lives!

  • I invite my students to discover new music and explore genres that they are unfamiliar with so that they can discover more music to love!

Excellence

  • Attention to detail is one of my strengths that sets me apart as a teacher. I help students grow in that skill and develop their own standards of excellence for themselves, while also emphasizing that we’re not striving for perfection.

Health in mind, body, and spirit

  • Music is one of the greatest tools we have for self-expression and healing. I tactfully invite my students to share parts of their lives with me, as I also share parts of my life with them, in hopes that they learn to use music as one of their tools for dealing with life’s tensions in a healthy way.

  • The elements of performance and competition in music can help students build self-confidence and resilience. When my students are engaging in either of these opportunities, I walk them through how to handle both victory and failure, as well as help them have realistic expectations. For example, no performance is ever perfect, so I teach them how to get back on track when they play or sing a wrong note.

  • For vocalists, our bodies are our instrument, so our physical health is a huge factor in our singing abilities. Singers should expect some physical exercises as part of their music lessons!

Open communication

  • I’m not a perfect teacher and every student has different needs. I ask that students and parents communicate openly if they would like anything to change in my lessons or teaching style.

  • With children, I explain that our lessons aren’t like their regular schools! I want them to also feel comfortable expressing to me if they have any needs or confusion, especially if they aren’t enjoying something about lessons. However, I also tell them that we will still do some things we don’t enjoy (usually music theory), because it will help us be better musicians!

Contact us

If you’re interested in starting music lessons or have any questions about what that can look like, please fill out this form and Nina will be in touch soon!