Music has been a part of my life since my parents played Mozart recordings for me in my mother’s womb. I began formal violin lessons at the age of three and piano soon after. Theory and composition lessons, youth symphonies, competitions, summer camps and festivals all deepened my commitment and involvement growing up. Eventually, after dabbling in a few other majors, I received a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Florida and a Master of Music from Northwestern University. 

I listened to my first rock album in 8th grade. I wrote my first pop songs the summer before my senior year in high school. In college I learned to play the guitar and bass and had fun chasing big dreams of touring in a rock band…which never quite panned out. But along the way I’ve had some great experiences: I’ve performed in cover bands at restaurants, done some gigs at churches and bars, more than a few house parties, written a few songs for a few singers, shot some music videos, and so forth. 

In countless ways, music has been an integral part of shaping who I am. I am a product of the music conservatory world followed by eight years in classical music management, so I have developed close friendships with some highly successful classical musicians. I studied both string and piano pedagogy, and taught beginning and intermediate students in violin and piano. Fresh out of grad school I was an adjunct professor of music appreciation and history at Florida State College in Jacksonville. I released my debut pop album in 2013 and prepared to launch a music publishing and producing company. But right around the same time I co-founded my real estate business and due to pragmatism and life obligations, I quickly refocused my efforts on the more profitable opportunity: the real estate company. 

Since then, I have found I hardly go to concerts or even listen to radio or internet music. It’s like a giant crater in my life that I only recently realized existed. I listen to podcasts, audiobooks and news radio instead of discovering new artists every day like I did back in college. I used to routinely practice piano six hours a day and now I wonder if I’ve touched a piano for a total of six hours in the past two years. I certainly have not with my violin or guitars. So as I return to my musical roots in the coming years, I hope to find time not only for the fulfillment of creating new music and the excitement of performing music, I also really want to get back to the joys of discovering and simply listening to other amazing artists, a whole lot more than I have been.

I hope you enjoy my stories and insights from the music world, and follow along with me as I attempt to transition back into the industry and rediscover who I am.