I have always been a musician. Even when I was not. It was just a part of who I am. I took my first guitar lessons in grade school. That was when music was a part of the curriculum. I sang in the choir as well. I remember being overwhelmed with the energy I felt when we sang harmony. I continued on in high school and began studying music in college. I worried that I could not make a living and chose to complete an engineering degree, instead. It is really fascinating that many of the skills I developed as a musician helped me with my math and science coursework. I continued studying music after I completed college. I studied under the classical guitarist Michael Davis in Portland. I grew to love jazz but I kept the classical style. I became a concert producer in college and continued after I graduated. I booked most of the best jazz musicians in town and learned to run sound equipment. I have kept friendships from all of those times.

I learned that I have rheumatoid arthritis when I was in my mid forties. I really felt like I didn’t have a lot of time left to do what I loved. I retired, returned to school to update my skills and was blessed with a job teaching at American Guitar Academy (AGA). After five years with AGA I finally decided to open my own studio. I also sing with the choir at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Newberg and have substituted for the cantor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Paul.

I think music is a lifestyle. It is one way I choose to relate to people. It feels pure and honest. I am refreshed by it. I encourage you to take the leap and make it part of your life, too. You will be glad you did. I promise!