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Born and raised in Preston, IA (population 1,000, yes, it's the middle of nowhere). Small Midwestern town, 2 1/2 hours Southwest of Chicago (by car), 45 minutes north of the Quad Cities, 10 miles west of the Mississippi River.
Began performing just playing around the house with my brothers (2), sisters (3), mother and father. Began loving stage work and performing around age 9.
Attended the University of Iowa. Graduated with a degree in Theater (Acting Emphasis). Obtained a theater degree mainly because they do not offer a degree in Rock/Roll/Pop music. Veteran of many stage performances ranging from dramatic roles to musical theater.
I have studied music and piano for many years. Los Angeles piano coaches Elizabeth (Liz) Kinnon and Terry Trotter, extremely accomplished jazz piano players, have been my most influential instructors. Terry was hand picked by Stephen Sondheim to compose and record jazz adaptations to some of Sondheim's most popular musical theater pieces. This work makes up 3 CDs to date, with possibly more on the way. I personally have a very good understanding of jazz music, although I am by no means a jazz piano player. Wrap in about 7 years of vocal work for speech and singing and presto, here I am.
I have always been active in Church music ministry, basically from the time people realized I could sing (about 13 years old, I guess). I have recorded and toured with several gospel/pop and mainstream rock groups throughout the United States. I am currently a soloist and musician at Bay Cities Community Church in Redondo Beach, CA (we have some unbelievable talent there, like a lot of churches around the world). I also enjoy working with the children of Bay Cities Community Church, including assisting in direction of our Christmas pageant for the last several years.
Yes, I do have a personal life. I'm happily married with a family. Many things to be thankful for!
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