getting started

I was born in the New York City area, but have lived in New England since age 10. I was brought up in a musical household. My grandmother, who'd been a silent movie accompanist around New York City in the 1920s and played stunningly by ear despite never having learned to read music, began providing informal piano lessons to me by the time I'd reached age three or four.

As an elementary school student, I was concertmaster of a small youth orchestra, although I gave up violin in favor of the flute during middle school! During high school, I studied flute, piano, and voice extensively.

During middle school and high school, I participated in musical theatre as an actress, primarily through the productions of Island Theatre Workshop on Martha's Vineyard.  I was grateful for the excellent early voice training I received through ITW, although I never quite felt at home as an actress.  Later, I worked much more extensively in the pit orchestra as a flutist, where I felt far more comfortable!

I received a Bachelor's of Music (with a major in Music Education) from Boston's Berklee College of Music in 1990. I've sung extensively in musical theatre and choral settings. I've provided private instruction in flute, piano, saxophone, and electric bass, as well as music theory, sight reading, and ear training for all musicians, for over 20 years. My students have ranged in age from 6 through 76.

For more detail, please see the experience page.

pictured: composer John Cage at a toy piano