Musical Pathway

I began studying pop organ music at the age of 7 and continued my studies into High School. While I've always loved music, I never seriously considered earning a living from it. At Indiana University, I taught myself to play piano, sneaking into the practice rooms and playing in between classes and in the evenings.

It was during these times at Indiana University that I fell in love with improvisation. I found that I could create a musical idea and play with it, getting lost in whatever was developing. Music became a tremendous stress reliever to me, an escape from the pressures of life. And there always seemed to be an endless store of musical ideas waiting to emerge.

In 1994, I decided to take piano lessons so that I could improve my technique, and learn more of the theory behind what I was already playing. My teacher suggested that I consider writing some of my ideas down on paper. It was such a thrill to capture a musical idea, and then return to it and develop it more deeply.

Since that time, I have written pieces for piano, solo voices, small groups and choruses. My music has been used in several spiritual settings, including Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, the Peacemaking Conference at Montreat, NC, the Bet Tikvah congregation in Pittsburgh and at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh where I was Composer-in-residence for 3 years.

Most recently, my path has led me to writing Jewish chant music. I was exposed to this form in 2003 at a Jewish Renewal gathering, where I attended a Shabbat service of Shefa Gold (www.rabbishefagold.com). I learned how to deeply experience the “kavannah” or intention of a prayer by using a sacred phrase, and singing it repetitively. This form has been a life-changing way for me to connect with God.

I am currently participating in a 2 year jewish chant leadership program with Shefa Gold as a teacher. I am also studying African drumming, and playing djembe for Temple Ohav Shalom in Pittsburgh.

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updated 2008-12-16