I would describe myself as an artistic, creative, and hard working person. Growing up in East Texas, the piano was a good outlet for me. My skills and grit got me 2 degrees in piano at Baylor University, but I felt something was missing. I tried church choir, and loved the social life it provided. I transformed from a quiet small town girl to an extroverted happy person in Austin, TX! Not only was singing with others satisfying, but I also discovered I had a powerful solo voice. I decided to develop my instrument as best I could. With determination, I drove to Salado to take from Metropolitan principle singer Carol Meyer Willingham; Boerne to master teacher Dr. John Van Cura, and even Taos, New Mexico for the Taos Opera Institute’s 4 week camp. In this time period, it became clear songs from the bel canto era fit my voice like a glove with such composers as Bellini, Donizetti, and early Verdi. It gave me a great education in phrasing and projecting the voice. I would later find out Frank Sinatra,too, started with a bel canto instructor. I am so grateful for this foundation.
My progression from pianist to opera singer gave me a new confidence I never knew I had. Although, leaning on my ability to sing beautifully only took me so far. I needed to know what I was singing about. That desire took me on one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life. I found St. Louis Cabaret Conference. Cabaret is the art of song interpretation where the performer relies on telling a story. Being 3rd generation Irish, that level of expression and storytelling was a perfect fit. It turns out, getting out of my comfort zone paid off. I earned the respect and continued study with Tony award winner Faith Prince (Adelaid in Guys and Dolls). AND I expanded my repertoire to include Broadway, jazz standards, pop, rock, and many others.
Now, living in Leander, TX, I want to impart some of these rich lessons in life to my students. I spent enough years as a perfectionist to know, telling your own story through song brings a joy you can’t even imagine. Once I embraced my own life experiences and expressed them in my songs, I reached home. Whether it be classical, country, pop, jazz, or rock, etc. I know we can find a song that does the same for you. Find your voice. Feed your soul.