Jamie has studied with some of the musical world's most reknowned teachers all around the globe.
She began her studies in High School, studying with Melanie Cottle, who frequently plays and tours with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera and other high caliber groups in Chicago. It was during this time that Jamie was accepted upon audition into Chicago's Youth Music Initiative. This was an ensemble consisting of the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and musicians from youth orchestras around Chicago, led by Gustavo Dudamel. It was an unforgettable experience. From this kick-start, Jamie was accepted into Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music to study with Jeff Nelsen, former Hornist of the Canadian Brass.
At IU, Jamie really developed as a musician and person. She played in the Symphony and Concert Orchestras and was a member of IU's brass choir, led by trumpet professor, Edmund Cord, for four semesters. Being a part of chamber ensembles has really been a growing experience, playing in both brass quintet and woodwind quintet as well as horn quartet.
In Jamie's fifth semester at IU, she decided to study abroad in Vienna, Austria, studying with Wolfgang Vladar of the Wiener Philharmoniker. She was offered the privilege to observe Vienna Philharmonic rehearsals for almost every concert and several operas as well. Along with the Vienna Philharmonic, the amount and variety of orchestras that play in Vienna's concert hall, the Musikverein, is boundless. She was privy to dozens of different orchestras and conductors. She also gained a greater knowledge of the Wiener Horn, which she would like to continue her studies on in the future.
While studying in Vienna, Jamie was lucky enough to have a lesson with Luca Benucci, principal hornist of the Maggio Musicale Orchestra of Florence, member of the Nuovo Quintetto Italiano, Italian Brass Quintet, and the Israel Philharmonic Brass Trio. Luca's approach to horn was really inspiring and he invited Jamie to visit his studio in Cesena, Italy. She was able to make it to the Bruno Maderna Conservatory, where Luca is professor of Horn, for two whole days studying with Luca. It was an incredibly useful two days of study and it will stick with her for life. Jamie has intentions to return to Cesena for further studies with Luca.
Jamie also studied natural horn with Rick Seraphinoff for 4 semesters, developing a deeper understanding of the early stages of horn. In her last year at IU, Jamie studied with Dale Clevenger, who is now a full time faculty member. A masterclass with Mr. Clevenger in 2008 was also the main inspiration for Jamie to pursue horn as a career. He continues to be Jamie's strongest inspiration and motivation.
While at DePaul, Jamie studied with Jim Smelser, 2nd horn of the Chicago Symphony and Oto Carrillo, utility horn in the Chicago Symphony. Listening to and learning from each of these world class musicians and horn players was totally eye opening for Jamie and helped shape her into a more mature musician.
After completing her Masters degree, Jamie moved to Houston to study with Robert Johnson, Associate Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony, where she began a performance certificate at the Moores School of music.
During her years of study, Jamie has had the opportunity to work with guest musicians of the highest caliber including:
Roger Kaza, Principal Horn of Saint Louis Symphony
Daniel Katzen, 2nd Horn of Boston Symphony, retired
Liz Freimuth, Principal of Cincinnati Symphony
Tom Sherwood, Associate Principal of Cincinnati Symphony
Michael Hatfield, Professor of Horn at Indiana University, retired
David Ohanian, Former Hornist of the Canadian Brass
Neil Kimel, 2nd Horn in the Lyric Opera of Chicago
Tod Bowermaster, 3rd Horn of the St. Louis Symphony
William VerMeulen, Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony
David Pyatt, Principal Horn of the London Philharmonic
Bob Rearden, 2nd Horn in the National Symphony
David Cooper, Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic