“If you’re lucky, you have one person in your life that inspires you. I want to be that person.”

Every morning, I wake up and thank God for the two mentors who inspired me to teach.

One of my fondest memories growing up was my mother’s love for music. Notes drifted through the house like the scent of warm cookies baking. I heard singing, classical piano, music lessons, choir practice, records playing and it all became the soundtrack to my life. Mom helped me see the instrumental role music played to the heart, and to life itself.

Later in college, my mother passed the baton to Mrs. Perla Warren. It was here my world broadened. I soaked in jazz, and was introduced to the new world of freedom and creativity improvisation brought. Working with Mrs. Warren gave me the courage to say that I had found my life’s calling.

Both women inspired me and taught me so much about life, music and love. It has always been a dream to share this love of music with others. Today, I still pinch myself sometimes, when I get to pass the baton onto my students and the dedication and discipline my mentors inspired in me.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and Commercial Composing and Arranging from Cal State Long Beach and later became the first vocalist to earn a Masters degree from USC in Jazz Studies. I studied classical piano since I was 4 years old and as an adult studied pop and jazz piano. I love piano! I have loads of experience singing in choirs, a cappella groups, as a soloist and pianist at both small and large venues. I have taught privately for over 20 years and I am a member of SAG-AFTRA and Music Teacher’s Association of California.

These credentials give me knowledge to impart, but it is my heart and soul’s purpose that I give my all to my students; inspired by my wonderful teachers, I want to pass on the love affair with music I’ve had the opportunity to experience.