I'm a late bloomer, musically. I started out working in social services, and was also involved in environmental activism and social justice work. I was continually lamenting the lack of energetic, inspiring music to lift people up and bring them together in joy and inspiration for the work of healing the world. There was folk music that was a vital part of the movement, but I longed for something funkier, more rhythmic, and with some new stories of how we might relate to each other and the world. Finally, tired of complaining, I decided to learn more about music, and create some of the songs I was longing for.
While I had sung in choral groups, I had to face down the all-too-common fear of vocal performance. I studied voice intensively. It was a kind of mindfulness practice, and lyrics and melodies starting coming to me. I did personal work which helped to strengthen me for forging my own unlikely path as a musician. I had many supportive teachers who did not judge this latecomer to the music scene, but supported and pushed me to follow the thread of the new story of a life as a singer and songwriter.
I am particularly interested in vocal improvisation, and was fortunate to study with Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and others in the art of vocal improvisation. I see improvisation as a vital skill for these times- we're all needing to learn to move quickly, trust our intuition, and take risks with our lives in general in this changing world, and vocal improv seems like the most fun way to practice these skills! The creative process teaches us skill, attitudes, and principles that will serve us well in our quest to contribute boldly, joyfully, and effectively.