About Me

Hello!

I am the author of books about the arts for children that inspire and empower. RISE UP WITH A SONG: THE TRUE STORY OF ETHEL SMYTH, SUFFRAGETTE, illustrated by Helena Perez-Garcia(Bushel & Peck Books, November 2022) and IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER: ANTONIA BRICO AND HER AMAZINGLY MUSICAL LIFE, illustrated by Morgana Wallace. (Penny Candy Books, 2020)

In addition to writing books for children, I am a classical violinist and teacher. I teach a private studio of budding violin and viola students of all ages and perform in the first violin section of the Washington-Idaho Symphony.

As a child, I listened to classical records on my parent’s 1960’s turntable and fell in love with the soaring sound of the violins. The “Waltz of the Flowers” from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite remains a favorite to this day. Shortly after I discovered Tchaikovsky’s music, I attended the original Disney Fantasia movie, where I was mesmerized by images of violin bows as they moved in shadowy unison across the big screen. I came home from that movie and begged my parents for violin lessons.

My first full size violin was my grandfather’s fiddle. (It had a spider inside its belly when it was taken down from my parents’ attic!)

As a high school student in Denver, CO, I was fortunate to play under Antonia Brico’s baton for 2 years. Her fiery spirit encouraged me to pursue music as a career. I now pair music with writing books for kids which feature classical music themes.

You can read about current releases and upcoming books on the Home page of this site. 🙂

I love to receive letters from kids and adults alike. Please drop me a line in the Contact section of this site and I’ll be sure to return a message.