As far back as I can remember, music has been a part of my life. One of my earliest memories is of being in Vermont with my father's extended family and gathering in the living area after a great meal for a jam session. The sound of guitars, banjos, washboards, spoons (just about everything was an instrument!) and boisterous singing filled the air. What fun it was! Another memory is of my parents, my brothers and I huddled around a cassette recorder singing our hearts out. We would make tapes to send to my grandparents while we were living in Japan. It was a great way for us to stay connected with them and now the tapes are such a treasure!

I just love to sing and have done so in choirs and on my own all my life. I've definitely carried on the joy of music making that my family experiences instilled within me. I now play the guitar and have been composing songs. I have also been a grateful and enthusiastic parent participant of the Music Together^® program with my two sons, Jason and Ryan. I completed the Music Together teacher training program in Jan 2005. I am so excited to be working with your families and making music together!

Music has been a constant in my life, at times background, at others foreground, but always there. The foundation was laid for me with my mother’s nightly lullaby ritual, Rafi sing-a-longs in the car on family vacations, and sounds of folk classics from my parents’ vinyl collection. From there, it was in me; whether singing, listening, dancing, writing, playing, recording, performing or teaching, I cannot imagine life without music.

I studied Theatre at The University of Southern California and The British American Dramatic Academy in London.  Post-collegiately, I entertained a career in education, and taught pre-kindergarten in the Dallas area before moving to New York. In New York, I worked at a private preschool where I designed a drama program called,“First Stage”. I also  lead the after-school program there, and infused both endeavors with holistic musical experience. During this time, I attended The Diller-Quiale School of Music Teacher Training Institute, and received certification in Early Childhood Music, Level 1. I find myself now in Austin, wanting to make and share music however I can. Music Together feels like a very natural step for me…

The first time I observed a class at Heartsong, it actually brought tears to my eyes! I could not be more excited to be a part of this beautiful program!

 

I have been involved in music all my life. My mother had 4 children in 5 years and would sing us every song she knew at naptime in order to stay sane! My father played the ukulele and guitar and we would sing all the time – especially on road trips. My parents were not professional musicians – they just loved singing and music. As a result, all 4 of us are singers and performers as adults, and music is a central part of our lives. When we get together for family reunions we gather around and sing! That is what we do together! In teaching Music Together, I have the opportunity to guide families toward music making in their homes. It is the joy of my life.

I have a degree in vocal performance from Austin College, Sherman, TX. I am a certified A.M.I. Montessori teacher for 3 – 5 year olds and am a certified M.W.E.I Montessori teacher for 5 – 7 year olds. I have been involved in teaching children and youth choirs for over 25 years. I have performed in choirs and in musical theatre from 1977 – 1997. I took the Music Together Teacher Training in May, 2001, and Music Together Certification Level I training in 2003. I completed the final Certification Level II Music Together training in May, 2005. I enjoy playing the guitar and teaching the Music Together Beginning Guitar for Adults class.