I've been a classical pianist, formally trained for several years, beginning in childhood. I have studied under a few different teachers, and it was in high school that it really became apparent that I had a future in music. During that time, I graduated into more advanced repertoire, with an emphasis on Romanticism (Chopin is my favorite). I also studied classical guitar (Bach, mostly) as well as the marimba, then upon entering college, I was privileged to have the opportunity to study classical vocal performance with a professional voice coach/opera singer - mostly "art songs," lieder, arias, and madrigals.

I have a soprano voice with a wide range. I've been told I can hit a low register for a soprano. Also, in college, I was involved in the local choral society, singing oratorios by Handel and Bach, as well as singing for a jazz group. Studying traditional Western music was "instrumental" (if I may use a pun!) in my musical development, and an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. I have a deep respect for the music I was formally trained in, and the teachers who helped get me there. However, my heart was always in Rock music. Like many of you, I was brought up listening to my parents' vinyl collection; a lot of old classic rock like Beatles, Zeppelin, Stones, Hendrix, Bowie, The Who, etc. etc. I also loved folk, often hammering out "Morning Has Broken" on my old Baldwin upright when I was a young'un. It was almost euphoric, the feeling I'd get when I would run downstairs, take a seat on the piano bench, and start playing. I got into a lot of classic psychedelic stuff as I got older, like early Pink Floyd (big Syd fan), Jon Anderson/Yes, and Aphrodite's Child (I love Jon Anderson's collaborations with Vangelis). I definitely went through a punk/grunge/'90s phase, and I still admire the hell out of female artists from the '90s like Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, and Hope Sandoval. It wasn't too long before I also became hooked on metal and other styles of alternative rock.

I personally love anything that sounds unique, and blends elements from different styles together to create something new. I support the bands today that try to sound distinctive and bring something new to the table. At the moment, I'm really into the styles of Devin Townsend and Ritchie Blackmore and the projects they've managed to create.

Today, my tastes in music are pretty eclectic. I'm a fan of anything with a pioneering quality, and especially admire those artists who go beyond the scope of just penning simple melodies. Advanced harmonic accompaniment with engaging, powerful riffs, and experimentation with various pedals and effects, speaks to solid songwriting and musical craft. Now, I have been involved in a couple amateur bands in the past, but I would be thrilled to actually form a band that performs live for audiences - I've never performed, except by myself! That brings me to my next section…

PROFESSIONAL GOALS

Songwriting is a strength of mine. I love collaborating with others... I'm a team player, and so I'm not too interested in solo work. It just doesn't feel "fun" without at least one other person to play with. I can play a few different instruments, of course, but not at the same time! Thanks to the magic of computer software and programs like GarageBand, I am able to record many instruments at the same time, but, this is not conducive to times when I actually have live performances.

To summarize: I am a one-woman show, for the time being - my ambient/alt rock project, equinoxe, is on hold, once I get at least one other musician on board.

I've done local gigs by myself; some paid, some not. I've done open mics too, which have been very low-key. I am usually very at ease on stage, but even more so when there's other people with me on stage. I love working with and getting to know other musicians. I don't consider myself a "diva" type. I know my limits, and I love learning new things from more experienced musicians. Being heavily involved in the creative process with others is obviously a big priority for me as an artist. I would like to use my training and experience to get more work in the near future. If you feel that I'd be a good fit for your project or band, please message me.

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