My house growing up was a rich musical environment.  I was immersed in song and opera.

​

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

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

 

MM at New England Conservatory,  Central College in Pella, IA, Des Moines Symphony, DMA at at University of Minnesota . . . finally landed at Susquehanna University where I've been 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.

​

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