Music has been in my blood since birth.

My parents, both guitarists and singers, introduced me to the folk-pop of the '60s and '70s, including Peter, Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, and James Taylor. Inspired, I began fiddle lessons at age 4 in Corvallis, Oregon, and soon begged for piano lessons. My mom found an old upright piano at a garage sale, and I began classical piano lessons, transitioning later to band and orchestra, where I chose the oboe for its unique sound.

In sixth grade, we moved to Bergen County, New Jersey, where I took lessons from Broadway pit orchestra players and joined musical theater. I also joined the jazz band, fascinated by improvisation and chord theory. My love for music extended to listening to R&B, pop, alternative rock, and hip hop, and I spent hours making mixtapes.

After eighth grade, we moved to Memphis, Tennessee. I joined school bands, city and state community bands, and the Memphis Youth Symphony, even touring Europe. I played in the Grammy high-school jazz band and began writing songs, influenced by piano-playing artists like Billy Joel and Tori Amos.

In college in Nashville, I took courses in Country and Blues music and songwriting, recording a small demo. However, life took me into a healthcare career, marriage, and parenthood, and I distanced myself from music, even discarding my guitar and lyrics.

Returning to Nashville for work, approaching my 40th birthday, I realized I would regret not pursuing my music. Now, I write and play daily, reconnecting with my passion and planning to release personal music this year to fulfill my long-forgotten dream.