Destiny has been teaching, mentoring, and guiding my daughter, Evelyn, for seven years. In that time Evelyn has grown as a musician, an artist, and a human being. I am a choreographer with a history rooted in music as a musician and musical artist, in ballet as a principal ballet dancer, in academia as a tenured professor, in arts leadership as an artistic director, and entrepreneurship as both a producer and business owner. It is through this lens that I see the impact Destiny has had on my daughter. I could not be more pleased or enthusiastic. Destiny is not only a masterful technician, she has a wonderful artistic sensibility. All of this gets passed to her students through every aspect of training, from the discipline of conscientious practice, to the preparation for performance, and finally the release of the ephemeral act of sharing live music. These things are done with joy and at a level of professional excellence that I am certain will serve my daughter no matter what her future holds. They are not just music lessons, they are life lessons. I trust Destiny in her role as a teacher, mentor and guide through the world of music.

— David Justin, Artistic Director, Ballet Wichita

Our pre-teen cellist son was inspired by performing “side-by-side” in the chamber orchestra with established and emerging professionals in a nurturing, joyful, and open environment. He learned so much from the in-depth coachings with Destiny and Mike Mermagen, and from the well-organized and beautifully managed rehearsals on such immersive and engaging repertoire as Holberg Suite and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons, performed for a supportive community audience through this unique and well-run program. Destiny’s joyful music-making is infectious and her commitment to young musicians is inspiring.

— Karen and Jeff Savage, UMKC Conservatory piano faculty

Playing alongside professionals with Destiny’s group was one of the highlights of my sophomore year! The rehearsals were scheduled toward the end of the school year, when I was preparing for exams as well as Solo and Ensemble Festival. I was hesitant to participate because I was worried about my stress level, since I had a very busy schedule. However, I found that I enjoyed the rehearsals so much that they actually decreased my stress!

Playing with professionals in Destiny’s group was a wonderful experience because I was able to see how others had been able to make a career out of music, when oftentimes the career outlook for musicians has been presented to me as very bleak. Additionally, I loved participating in a group that was able to play challenging music and create a professional sound. My family loved our performance, and I think it was one of the best concerts I have gotten to be a part of!

Being able to work in a quartet with my peers with Prairie Classical was an invaluable learning experience. The most beneficial aspect of my quartet experience was Destiny’s teaching approach, which involved allowing us to schedule our own rehearsals and structure them ourselves. The importance of time management, focus and efficiency in rehearsals with a small ensemble was taught to us through her approach. This structure is more adjacent to real-world small ensemble experiences than other chamber music programs in which rehearsals are pre-scheduled for the students, and every rehearsal is coached. I loved getting to experience what working with a professional group might be like!

-Hazel, Viola

Working alongside fellow youth, Destiny, and professionals alike is an amazing experience that is truly one I’ll cherish forever! I’ve watched myself musically grow in ways I thought I never would have when working besides so many skilled musicians. Through extraordinary experiences such as the the side by side and youth string quartet, I’ve gained so many skills fundamental to playing chamber music. Playing with Prairie Classical is a marvelous way to simultaneously push yourself and have fun!

— Gabi, Violin

Prairie Classical is a wonderful group that has given me the opportunity to participate in numerous life changing experiences. My time with Prairie Classical has allowed me to meet and perform with peers and professionals with backgrounds from all over the world, and to develop musically in an encouraging and rich environment. It is a unique and worthwhile organization that has fostered the musical and social growth of myself and many others, and performing with the musicians of Prairie Classical is a truly formative experience.

— Evelyn, Violin

I’ve learned so much in Destiny’s programs. Her student coaching and side-by-side student—professional ensembles have both taught me so much about every aspect of music, from rehearsal etiquette to technique and stylistic choices. Getting to play alongside professional musicians has allowed me to observe so many valuable things that I don’t see when just playing with other students, and has probably been my favorite musical opportunity I’ve had this year, which I definitely look forward to doing again!

— Sarah, Cello

Playing in a side by side has been one of my favorite things that I’ve done this year. Not only did I love being able to play alongside professionals, but I also was able to interact with other musicians my age as well as skill level. My teacher being the director and soloist for the concert made it so much better. Destiny has been such a positive mentor in my life for over the past three and a half years. She’s not just my teacher but is also someone that I can share my problems with... Even if there’s something going on that isn’t related to violin, she’s always willing to help solve a problem. I feel that I’ve become a better player and person from the way that Destiny teaches and impacts the community around her. As I would say, Destiny is so real.

— Reagan, Violin