I grew up in a household rich with song, choral music, and opera.  My parents facilitated early music study of piano and music theory.

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Cedar Grove, NJ had a string program in the public schools, run by Sally Potosky.  She was charismatic and I signed up!

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At Oberlin College I conducted 4 opera productions and played 2nd violin in a string quartet that competed in the Fischoff Chamber Competition, gave two full recitals, and did a residency at a boarding school in Ringe, NH.

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My first full-time job was with a string quartet & orchestra  in Sioux Falls, SD.  The violist in my quartet, Mary Harris, taught me how to teach beginners and I was hooked.

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I moved to Knoxville, TN to play full-time with the KSO.  On the side, I built a private studio.  I decided to go back to school so I could become a college professor.

 

After earning my MM at New England Conservatory,  I starting my formal teaching career at Central College in Pella, IA where I founded the Central College Music Connection, a prep program still in existence today.  I was Principal Second Violin of the Des Moines Symphony.  I stayed in Iowa for 5 years.

 

I then lived in St. Paul, MN where I earned the DMA at the University of Minnesota . . . and finally moved to Lewisburg, PA, teaching at Susquehanna University since 1997.

 

Over the years, the ebb and flow of playing, conducting, and teaching has been gratifying, like riding waves at the ocean.  I consistently seek new sources of inspiration.

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Now I'm rediscovering composing and arranging.  I also think about culture, religion, and race, and how music can connect people.