Growing up in a family of music lovers, I heard all types of classical music on the radio. I have early memories of Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart. I followed my older sister's example, and began piano lessons at age five. The piano came easily to me, and I learned quickly. At family gatherings, I heard my talented uncle play his own compositions and improvise at the piano. I soon played classical pieces for my family, as well.

Even at an early age, I loved all musical activities. I sang in a children's chorus, played violin in a youth orchestra, and often played piano for my class. My good friend was the daughter of orchestral bass violinists, and I often heard music at her house. I was invited to play a Haydn piano concerto with my youth orchestra when I was eleven. Nervously, I performed in my first public venue. I loved the sound of my music with the orchestra. I was invited to play duets with other string players from a local music school. I also played the Ravel "Mother Goose Suite" with another young pianist. From these early experiences, I learned to love musical collaboration.

In high school, I sang in choir and elite choir, and completely loved the sound and feeling of singing in a group. I experimented with composing songs, and I performed them with a friend, who was a singer. I joined the "Piano Club", where I learned about all types of keyboard instruments. Music was a big part of my life, and I took comfort in my ability to express myself in music.

I was a serious student at the College Preparatory High School, and when the time came for college applications, I looked for strong academics, rather than a strong music program. I decided to attend Bryn Mawr College, and to try to find a major interest besides music. However, when I got to Bryn Mawr, my first priority was to find a piano teacher. I discovered that I wanted to see how far I could push myself in piano, and to see how well I could play. I practiced diligently, and decided that I wanted to transfer to a piano performance program.

In my junior year, I transfered to the College of Music at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I studied first with Robert Spillman and then with Doris Lehnert. My life in the Piano Performance program revolved around recitals. I wanted to see how well I could memorize, internalize, and perform under the pressure of a live audience. I learned how to practice for technical ease, how to shape a phrase, and how to listen to the music for dynamic variety. My confidence in myself grew.

During my years as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, I began teaching children and adults, which I have continued to do. At first, I didn't feel qualified to instruct, but gradually, over these last ten years, I have felt that I do have expertise, methodology, and love of music to share. I enjoy seeing students deepen in their abilities and their understanding of music. Through teaching, I feel I am helping to keep alive many generations, and even centuries, of musical wisdom.

After graduate school, I began to play as a pianist at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder. Eventually, I became Choir Accompanist, and then Choir Director. Choir directing has been a challenging endeavor for me. I push myself to work with a large group, to listen to them, and to lead them. In the spirit of musical collaboration, I am motivated to improve and invest myself in this task.

I continue to seek out new musical opportunities, and I feel that I am always learning and always improving. Making music is a lifelong journey — one which is always leading me to new and exciting places.