Biography

Raised in Jacksonville, Illinois, my musical training began at a young age with piano and voice lessons. I began harp study during high school at the age of 15. My first harp teacher was Alice Spero Keene, the professor of harp at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. During this time, I performed in studio recitals as a soloist and in harp ensembles, and appeared as a featured soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. 

Subsequent teachers include Beatriz Martin-Ruiz of the University of Illinois and Suzann Davids of Valparaiso University.  I have also participated in workshops or master classes with Emmanuel Ceysson (Paris Opera), Louise Trotter (jazz and pop harp) and Yolanda Kondonassis (Cleveland Institute of Music).

After attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for two years, I transferred to Valparaiso University in Indiana where I graduated magna cum laude in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and in 2005 with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (History Concentration). 

While at Bradley, I sang with the Chorale and Community Chorus, played harp for a performance of George Crumb's "Ancient Voices of Children" with the New Music Ensemble, performed with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Opera Illinois, and appeared as a featured soloist in the Prism Concert Series. I was fortunate to be able to tour Poland and the Czech Republic with the Bradley Chorale. At this time, I also began teaching beginning harp students and performing at events in Peoria and the surrounding areas.

At Valparaiso University, I was a member of the Chorale and Orchestra, touring with both groups throughout the United States. I gave vocal solo recitals in January of 2001 and April of 2003. As a harpist, I also accompanied the VU Chorale for their Christmas recording “Christ Child: Songs of the Nativity,” available from VUCA Media, and the Kantorei choir for Christmas Vespers services.  I was a member of the pit orchestra for Valparaiso University's production of "The Ballad of Baby Doe" in 2001, and for the Memorial Opera House production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" in 2005.

Currently, I am active as a freelance harpist, performing at numerous wedding ceremonies & receptions, fundraisers, funerals, corporate functions, and other events in Northern and Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and throughout the Midwest. I am a founding member of Glissando Harps, a professional harp ensemble that provides music for all occasions.  I am also the founder and director of the South Bend Harp Ensemble.  

My teaching studio includes more than thirty students of all ages and levels studying harp, classical voice & piano.