Teachers
Our Step Into Music instructors are trained Early Childhood Music Specialists.
Valerie Nelson
Valerie has enriched the lives of young children through music for more than 25 years. With degrees from UNR in music education and music performance, Valerie enjoys teaching Early Childhood Music and violin lessons to children and adults. She is the director of Step Into Music and is a certified instructor in Musikgarten and Kindermusik Curricula. As a mother of two children, she sincerely believes in the value of sharing music with young children. Valerie performs regularly as a violinist with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Reno Chamber Orchestra.
Kristina Coté
Kristina Coté received her bachelor of music degree, in flute performance, from California State University, Northridge. She recently finished her master's degree in technology with applications in education. She has taught general music, chorus, and band to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She currently holds teaching credentials in both California and Nevada, and has worked at both Natchez and Corbett elementary schools in the Wa. Co. School District. She has played in the Conejo Symphony and Moorpark Orchestra, and has performed in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. She is currently a stay-at-home mommy to her 3 yr. old son, Alexander, and 1 yr old Luc.
Amy Barthel
Amy Barthel is currently a K-6 music teacher at Agnes Risley Elementary School. She joined Washoe County School District after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from UNR. While Amy enjoys teaching at the elementary level, she is most passionate about teaching children in the early childhood years. She is working on a Master's Degree from UNR in early childhood development and music. Her favorite part of teaching Step Into Music classes is watching each child grow musically and developmentally. Amy plays the flute and piano and maintains a small studio of private students. Amy is married to Daniel Barthel who is also a music educator. Their daughter, Aubrie, was born Christmas 2006.
