As a first grader I sang "America the Beautiful" for the opening convocation of school. Though I took piano lessons as a child (and again at University) I really began my musical experimentation when I picked-up my mothers disused Martin guitar at age 9. My Mother encouraged my playing and thoughtfully critiqued each of my early, heartfelt, lengthy productions of "American Pie" and The "House of The Rising Sun" among many others.

I performed in local musical theatre, school productions, took flute and began writing and performing my own compositions. My experience in instrumentation expanded to include Coronet, French horn, E-Flat Alto horn, Banjo, Mandolin, Drums - anything I could get my hands on - as I traveled back and forth from my middle school to the high school for classes. While attending regular High School I also attended The Fine Arts Center (my district's school for the arts) and studied vocal performance with Larry Gerber, Virginia Uldrich and Dr. Neal Tracy.

My formal music education continued at Columbia College where I studied with Lanny Palmer and appeared in operatic settings, recitals, musical stage productions, and with The Columbia College Choir and the Columbia College Concert Band. I composed/co-composed and performed the music for 3 college theatrical productions as well as for my own singer/songwriter sessions. In my spare time at University I earned a B. A. Degree.

During and after University I performed in venues throughout the American southeast and abroad. I have been featured on the "Writers In The Round" series for Public Radio station WQCS. Behind the scenes production work has been a passion for me as well performing. I have worked as Stage Manager for live shows for WNCW Radio in Spindale, NC, and as a Performer Manager for The Handlebar, in Greenville, SC. I have had the pleasure of working with great performers like Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, John Hammond, Tish Hinojosa, Patty Larkin, Christine Lavin, Adrian Legg, Christine Kane, Garnet Rogers, Janis Ian, The Uppity Blues Women, Eddie From Ohio, Dan Brown, Stacy Earle, Gillian Welsh, David Wilcox, Jim Lauderdale, The Nields, Dar Williams and more.

After my move to Ottawa in 2000 I took a hiatus from music to raise a family. I have volunteered in my son's schools as a performer and found that presenting a program in a school setting is something that the kids and I both enjoy. So, since my sons no longer need my immediate care and cultivation I want to share the love of music in my blood with the rest of the youngsters of Ottawa.