1. Where were you born? Tell us a little about your youth and upbringing?
Born in Huntington, Long island (NY). Parents were born in Germany. I am the youngest of 4 children- all musicians. I attended Manhattan School of Music for piano & violin.
2. Earliest musical memories?
Attending the duo series at Carnegie Hall with Andre Watts (Piano) and Charles Treger (violin)- hearing Beethoven's Spring Sonata and Franck's Sonata in A major.
3. Your education? Where did you attend college, primary teachers?
Oberlin College- B.A. in Biology, minor in Anthropology
Oberlin Conservatory- B.M. in Violin Performance
Florida State University- M.M. in Violin Performance
Teachers: Marilyn McDonald, Karen Clarke, Robert Rozck.
4. Why did you choose your instrument?
My mother had a conspiracy to create a family piano trio- she succeeded. My brother was the pianist and my sister was the cellist.
5. When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician?
During my college years, I went back to Germany to visit my ailing grandmother. After being quite frustrated over my poor German-speaking skills, I began to play several hours a day for my grandmother. I felt a true emotional and soulful connection with her that in our conversation after that experience, I fell in love with performing and conveying the passion I feel in music with an audience.
6. Who were/are your most important musical influences?
Luciano Pavarotti.
7. Most inspiring composers?
Stravinsky.
8. What would you be if not a musician?
Doctor.
9. Your favorite thing about playing in the ACO?
Great repertoire; small orchestra; wonderful, humorous conductor- inspires me to play my best; dedicated and talented colleagues.
10. With what other ensembles do you perform/where do you teach?
Trillium Piano Trio, Atlantic Piano Quintet, Treasure Coast Opera Company. I perform lectures and recitals. I teach at Palm Beach Suzuki's School of Music with teacher training for all 10 books!!
11. What is in your CD player right now?
Renee Fleming "I Want Magic".
12. What do you like to do outside of work/hobby/pastime(s)?
Running, sailing, traveling, kayaking, learning German & French.
13. Anything else particularly interesting or enlightening you would like to share?
My first time hearing of the ACO was when I was passing the band rehearsal room (where the ACO was rehearsing) at South Fork High School where I taught high school Biology and coached Track & Field! My worlds collided, and soon after I began playing with ACO.
