My Story
Music has been with me since the womb. I grew up in Georgia, not from a particularly musical family, but my mother loved music and sang constantly. She sang to me as an infant and brought me to church every Sunday. And we were a sangin’ church. By elementary school, I was in the school choir—and I never stopped.
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Outside of school and church, I had no formal training before college, so I soaked up every ounce of knowledge I could from those early experiences. At church, I learned gospel, harmony, and praise dance. As a teenager, I taught myself guitar. School taught me to read music, understand theory, and perform with the color guard and marching band. I didn’t know it then, but those years gave me the foundation I still use every day.
In 2015, unsure of my path (and half-dreaming of backpacking across Europe), I enrolled in music school at Valdosta State University thinking I’d be a chorus teacher. I had no idea I’d fall in love with opera, be forced to learn keyboard, start working in churches, and step into so many unexpected opportunities. I sang in top ensembles, performed lead opera roles, gigged with live bands, opened for Waka Flocka Flame, and began recording background vocals with Grammy Award–winning producer Mark Neill—a collaboration that continued nearly a decade later. I graduated in three and a half years, honored as “Most Outstanding Musician” of my class, and sang both the National Anthem and the Alma Mater at my own commencement.
In 2019, I began teaching—first middle and high school chorus with marching band/color guard support, then general music and beginning band. At the same time, I took a part-time position leading a contemporary church service. That role blended my classical training with the church roots of my childhood. Soon, I transitioned into full-time church music ministry, directing choirs, children’s ensembles, and handbell groups, planning concerts, and even singing with a Hispanic congregation. I was honored to lead music for the opening services of the South Georgia Methodist Conference in both 2023 and 2024.
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Over the years, I’ve learned how to make music accessible for any learner and create a balance of fun and productivity for ensembles of all ages. But as much as I loved teaching and directing, my ultimate dream has always been to be an opera singer.
In fall 2025, I’ll begin my Master’s in Classical Vocal Performance at Michigan State University, refining my craft while working as an independent performing artist. I’ve built the skills, earned the experience, and proven I can sing anything. And I bring confidence and loving energy to every stage I step on.
Thank you for being part of the journey.