auburn wren [they/them]

I teach viola and improvisation at YAMA! I love learning alongside the students and witnessing their creativity and joy.

I started out as a classical violinist at a young age under the tutelage of my Grandma, Celia Nicks. I was brought up with the Suzuki Method and had the freedom to explore the music that was best for me. Viola ended up calling to me after witnessing the chiller culture of the viola section. It was always difficult for me to practice, but I often found myself doing something musical in my free time. The simple yet limitless keys of the piano taught me how to improvise and create music for myself. Video games impressed upon me the ability for music to turn the wordy logic of a story into something you can feel. I loved and continue to love composing the soundtracks to imaginary video games.

Nowadays, I’m finding myself digging deeper into what music means to me. I’m finding which styles I resonate with and learning their history. More and more, my interest is in music by the people for the people.

When I’m not in music land, I’m in the wonders of tech land. I love coding and I help out with IT at YAMA. At home, I enjoy creative projects that incorporate both music and technology.