I’m a full-time singer/songwriter based in Chicago, and I’m incredibly grateful I had music in my school growing up. It played a huge role in shaping who I am today and inspired me to pursue this as a career.
Incredible music teachers throughout my life inspired me to major in music education and music therapy, spend five years teaching K-5 vocal music in Ankeny, Iowa, and ultimately pursue a music career as a songwriter and recording artist in Nashville – where I also had the chance to make my dream record with my dream producer and team (here’s a good link: https://s.disco.ac/baqktccrjfoe).
Along the way, I’ve opened for AJR in front of 5,000 people on just two hours’ notice (TV interview here), became a KoAloha Ukulele artist, and was named a semifinalist in both the American Songwriter Road Ready Talent Contest and the International Songwriting Competition.
It’s essential that schools continue to invest in music programs for future generations. The spark in a student’s eyes after learning their first ukulele chord, the joy of singing and moving together, the courage it takes to perform for the first time – those moments stay with them, and as both a teacher and performer, it means so much to pass on the same inspiration music gave me growing up!
This grant would help me continue that work as both a performer and musician, while also supporting music education in our schools. Thank you for everything you do for artists and music programs!
