Courtney attributes her musical growth to her education. She spent her last two high school years as well as three summers prior to that at Interlochen Arts Academy. That experience gave her the solid foundation to begin her music career. Courtney studied western classical singing, piano, and the cello. She also studied non-traditional vocal styles such as the Hindustani style of Indian Classical music, Bulgarian singing, and southern African folk. While learning these various vocal styles, Courtney learned to play the harmonium as well as the mbira .She has a BA in World Vocal Music and a Masters in Elementary education both from Indiana University.
Courtney taught music for several years at Brooklyn Heights Montessori school teaching general music for children ages 3 to 14 as well as songwriting, chorus, and group piano. During that time she focused on integrating music with classroom studies, developing an environment that allowed children the freedom to inquire, and supporting each child in finding their individual creative outlet and musicianship. Her passion for song collecting around the world has been a benefit to what she adds to her teaching. Courtney believes that if students learn to play and sing songs that are traditional in other countries as well as learn varying genres, they will have a broader outlook on the world.
Some of the work Courtney is most proud is her work with the organization Art of Conservation. The songs were written in both Kirwandan and English so Art of Conservation could use them to assist in teaching the students about conserving the environment. The children have loved the music and Courtney is so touched to have been able to be a part of these children's lives from a far. Courtney's life goal is to be a cross-cultural bridge of peace and friendship through the universal language of music.
Here's a video of children in Virunga learning Mu Birunga.
