In high school I started to teach myself ukulele and guitar. Everything changed when I walked into the Folk Music Center in Claremont, CA and heard a banjo strummed in real life for the first time. I was completely mesmerized by it and found a way to get my hands on one and start lessons there. When I discovered you could actually study music in college I was in! I attended University of La Verne on a vocal scholarship where I was able to learn music in a more traditional way and earn a Bachelors of Arts in Music. I am so grateful for that experience and the opportunities it opened up for me to grow as a vocalist, musician, and to collaborate with others. During that time my song writing began to take off in a new way as I was able to use time outside of class and choir rehearsal to continue exploring banjo by playing and relaying into melody what I was experiencing in life. It was then that I wrote the album "Love Is All Around" and was able to perform my originals songs along with, opera, jazz, and musical theater pieces in my senior recital showcase at La Verne accompanied by amazing faculty and friends.

 

Since then I have performed and traveled through Europe, taught music in school settings and privately, organized arts and music events for my local community with my bandmate from our folk duo “Your Companions”, and all the while continuing to write songs and perform. As of now I am creating new songs and beginning a journey towards incorporating music and other expressive arts into a career path of counseling. I am currently working on my Masters degree to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist. My dream is to live a life where I can connect with people through meaningful work and by sharing what lights me up with the world.