Trained as a classical pianist, I received my performance degree cum laude from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, where I received 1st place in the Aquinas Piano Competition. I continued my piano studies with Professor Joseph Gurt at Eastern Michigan University where my focus was on The Taubman Approach, a technically facile and natural method of piano performance. 

My piano music studio is located in Ferndale MI, and I am adjunct professor at Madonna College. Previously I taught at BLFAC, Blue Lake Community School of the Arts, and privately while living in Muskegon,MI. In addition I was staff pianist with the West Shore Symphony, pianist for dance at GVSC, MCC and private dance and theater troupes.

My love of jazz and composing led to further studies once I moved to the Metro Detroit area in 1986. While working as Music Director for Dance at Wayne State University, I studied jazz piano, arranging and composition with Professor Matt Michaels along with 20th Century composition classes. I continue to study theory and piano performance with area jazz artists and classical musicians. 

Many wonderful performance opportunities resulted from my varied musical interests: a 9 year post at Wayne State University as Director of Music for Dance, Music Director for the Broadway touring group of Forever Plaid and for The Peanut Butter Players, a professional children’s theater, pianist for community orchestras, a regular at the DIA's Sunday Music Bar and a free-lance pianist for corporate, public and private events in Metro Detroit.