Though piano has always been my primary focus, I've also been involved with band/orchestra and chorus since elementary school--my main instrument was bassoon (7 years), and I also played some clarinet, alto sax, and flute. It wasn't until later in high school that I did any solo singing, and those times were few and far between.

I started playing harp my freshman year of college, and owned a pedal harp (Camac Clio) for a couple years. I played it in orchestra, and it's the harp recorded on "Haven" (the CD version). I have since traded that harp for a smaller, more portable folk (lever) harp--a Dusty Strings FH36S. I also picked up guitar early 2006 (I have an Art and Lutherie folk model), though I'm still pretty amateur with it. It's featured on two songs on my CD.

Influences:
Probably my most direct influence has been Norah Jones (on her first CD), but in more general terms I put Jim Brickman, Marian McPartland, Matthew Banks, and Ryan Adams at the top of the list. Pretty much anyone I've ever listened to (from 90's Mariah Carey to Blue Man Group) I can count as some sort of "influence," and much of my piano style is shaped by the various lesson pieces I've played over the years (among my favorites were pieces by Joplin, Guaraldi, and Debussy).

Songwriting/performing thus far:
I wrote my first song (No One Way) June 2004, and things unfolded from there. I immediately started recording what I had, sharing songs with family, friends, and the online community. Soon after, I found myself performing again--I found a few open mics to play at, the most influential and rewarding of which being Caffè Lena's in Saratoga Springs, New York.

After completing my CD in May, and a few summer gigs, I've been laying low as far as songwriting and the music scene go. I am sure I will get back into it sometime, with a renewed passion for it all, but for now I am in a less-musically-productive phase. You can be sure that when I do start writing new songs, they will show up here for you to listen to!

Inspirations:
No One Way was written for someone who really inspired me to follow through on a dream I've had as long as I can remember. He's incredibly talented, a wonderful person, and I will always remember what he's done for me.

Over the past few years, I have met so many wonderful local musicians, many of whom have become good friends of mine. It is a really special thing to be among people who love music at its purest level, are brave enough to share it, and open enough to welcome others to join in.

Such beautiful friends, mentors, supporters, inspirations... I only hope I can be the same in return! :)