Welcome to "A Life shaped by Music"!

Music has always been a powerful force in my life, weaving its way into my journey from a young age.

Early Strumming and Unexpected Discoveries:

At just 4 and a half years old, my musical exploration began with guitar lessons, thanks to my mom's encouragement.  Playing guitar with the church choir in Ventura, CA, instilled a sense of community and purpose in my musical development. Throughout high school, I continued guitar lessons, eventually choosing music over baseball, a decision that solidified my passion.

A pivotal moment arrived on my 19th birthday. While celebrating with my recently discovered birth family in Ventura, I learned that music ran deep in my blood. My grandmother, a talented pianist and violinist, and my birth mother, who possessed the gift of sight-reading and performing for customers, revealed a beautiful lineage I never knew existed. This connection provided a deeper understanding of my own unwavering love for music.

 Education, Performance, and the Joy of Teaching 

Fueled by inspiration, I pursued music education at GIT in Hollywood, graduating with honors in 1988. The following year, I embarked on a fulfilling journey as a private guitar instructor. Witnessing my students' progress and their growing confidence filled me with immense satisfaction.  Always seeking innovative ways to accelerate their learning, I embraced new teaching methods along the way.

In 2000, my thirst for knowledge led me to Belmont University, where I graduated with honors in composition and arranging. Immersing myself in the world of recording expanded my musical horizons. However, with the arrival of twins in 1999, it was time to translate my passion into a rewarding career path.

**Hitting the Road and Sharing My Passion:**

While pursuing my education, I juggled private lessons and touring with Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.  Eventually, my musical path led me to perform with renowned artists like Eddie Raven. 

Throughout my career, I've toured extensively across the US, graced the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage multiple times, and even performed in Japan. Cover gigs challenged me to learn a diverse range of music, further honing my versatility. My dedication to teaching extended beyond traditional methods. I've helped artists' children discover their musical voice and empowered artists to play their own compositions  - witnessing their success is a source of immense pride.

Embracing the Digital Shift:

Years of experience taught me that learning styles vary. Some students thrive with videos, PDFs, or group settings.  The arrival of Covid-19 in 2020 presented a unique opportunity.  While teaching at a Santa Barbara music store (since closed), I transitioned to creating online courses. A summer-long webinar series during the pandemic proved invaluable, equipping me with the skills to record engaging video lessons specifically designed for beginner guitarists. Since then, I've created multiple online courses, catering to both beginners and aspiring lead guitarists.  The ability to craft student-friendly PDFs and comprehensive video lessons brings me immense satisfaction.

My journey continues to unfold, and I'm excited to share my passion and knowledge with aspiring musicians through online learning.