About
"I was born with music inside me... It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me - like food or water." - Ray Charles
When I graduated from high school, one of my teachers gave this quote to me, framed, as a gift. Its words are as true for me as they were for Ray Charles, and anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about music. Even during times apart from music, it is still always there, deep inside, waiting for me to return to it...
From the moment I came into the world, my life was filled with music - largely thanks to my parents, who are very musical themselves. I grew up listening to my mom play and sing Bach and Elvis (among many other things) around the house, learned sight-reading and part-singing from hymns we sang in church every Sunday, danced in the streets of Decorah, Iowa to the Scandinavian folk band The Foot-notes during the summers my parents sold their work at art fairs, and watched my dad learn how to build and play his own instruments. Music was everywhere, in everything; it was just who we were.
I began taking piano lessons when I was five years old. Piano was what really changed what music meant for me. Not only could I learn to play the music I loved, but I learned that I could write my own music, as well. And I learned that I was good at it.
I was involved in numerous choirs, bands, and other music ensembles throughout my school years, but it wasn't until college that I really began to flourish as a musician and composer. There, I discovered the cello, my love of theatre, confidence in myself and my abilities, and what it truly means to be supported and encouraged to do the things I am passionate about. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Music & Theatre - a degree I am still using to this day.
In November of 2018, I married my college sweetheart, and since then, we have been blessed with two sons, Matthew (4) and Milo (1). They are my entire world and the inspiration for everything I do. I currently work as a full-time stay-at-home mother and do music part-time. You can most often find me playing around Southern Minnesota, Northeast Iowa, and Central Wisconsin, and you can hear my music on all streaming sites.
Anything else you'd like to know or ask? Reach out! I'd love to hear from you.
