I spin my life around music, making space to perform in multiple fields and genres. I grew up studying the harp with my mother in her Suzuki Talent Education Program and performing professionally in orchestras and operas from a young age. I received my performance degrees from Augsburg University and Northwestern University, Chicago, and Suzuki training in all 5 books. I perform regularly as principal and associate principal of orchestras in Duluth, Moorhead, Thunder Bay, and throughout the Twin Cities.
During our COVID isolation, everything halted. My professional work slowed in response and I returned to writing poetry to describe how I felt and cope with how the world had changed. I began improvising more and found my unique voice and patterns on the harp. I began singing and experimenting with different effects on the pedal harp. I started using an electric guitar pedal board and loop pedal. Inspired by Mary Lattimore and Mikaela Davis, I began seeing the harp could fit into the music I had always dreamed of making. Three years ago I joined a songwriting collective and found I could assemble all of these elements into something original. I released my first solo record ‘Live at Lakewood’ in May 2024.
My solo music features complex and hypnotic accompaniment and has been compared to Philip Glass, Joni Mitchell, and Billie Eilish. I use layering and minimalistic arpeggiation to make space to shape the music to my words, with a sound that is hard to identify as any one particular genre, somehow feeling old and new at the same time.
I received second place with my song “Let the Rain Come In” during the Duluth Dylan Fest 2023 Songwriting Competition. I was honored to be named in the Current’s 10 musicians to watch in their May Scouting Report 2024 and my music has been featured on the airwaves of stations like Radio Heartland and The Current’s Local Show.
In the past two years, I have performed as an opener and recording collaborator with various songwriters including Charlie Parr, Matthew French, Taylor James Donskey, Molly Maher, Sarah Morris, The Foxgloves, The International Treasures, Josh Cleveland, and Maygen & The Birdwatcher. My solo music has opened a new avenue for me to express myself and tell my stories. I love to bring these elements of my personal artistic energy to my teaching. I desire to make a space for students to express themselves through music and the beautiful instrument I am thrilled to call my true love.
