Hello! My name is Mrs. Oakes (formerly known as Miss Schick) and I am so happy to be part of Lower Moreland School District's music department! I started learning violin at five years old and have loved music ever since. Participating in music class, choir, orchestra, and musical theatre was always my favorite part of school. When I started teaching and conducting music at fifteen years old, I quickly found music education to be my passion.

I graduated from Temple University’s honors program with a degree in Music Education, concentration in violin/orchestral studies, and have been teaching various music lessons/ensembles in the local community for over ten years. A few highlights of my teaching experiences include completing a research project entitled "Music Across Language Barriers" while teaching at a music school in Ecuador, and founding and directing a choir of singers spanning the ages of six to one-hundred and four years old called "Music Across the Ages." 

I am very passionate about helping every student find their path in music, making music class a meaningful and relevant experience for students, and bringing our community together through music! Every person can find a way to connect with and find meaning in music in their own way. I provide students with a wide variety of musical opportunities and support so every student can feel successful and excited about music. Through the process of musical growth and experiences, it is wonderful to see students growing as creative individuals, leaders, artists, and community contributors.

Besides teaching and performing music, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and cats. I love plants, nature, hiking, traveling, and trying new things! I also have a certificate in American Sign Language studies.

I truly love teaching and music and feel very grateful to be a part of Lower Moreland's music department!