I began my music and performing journey by taking piano lessons at age 8. I studied with a tough but enthusiastic young woman named Ronna Zallman who was actually 18 at the time she began teaching me. She shaped my musical discipline, encouraged me to keep at it no matter what. I later began singing in the chorus in grade school and acting and singing in school plays. I loved the plays especially since when I was real little, one of my favorite games was "playing pretend." Acting onstage was just another pretend game, just doing it in front of an audience. Movies enthralled me, especially the Disney movies. My love of fantasy grew when my father read to us from the Lloyd Allexander Prydain Series. Years after that, I would discover Mercedes Lackey, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King and many others. I wrote a Science Fantasy novel entitled "Sephro" in the year 1995. In 1996 when I met my husband John, I was inspired to write an opera based on "Sephro." My singing voice led me to the classical arts, when I was encouraged to sing opera and study it. That lead me to Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company, where I met John. From there we moved on to sing in many different opera companies. My idea to write an opera stayed in my mind but I was so busy doing roles for other operas, that I had little or no time.Finally, the muse just wouldn't keep still any longer. When the idea for Planet Discord came to me, I was inspired to write about living in a world where we don't always feel we belong. Should give you a good idea about my life. I'm not a mother, but in many ways, my works are my children, so I can relate. For years, I've looked for a place to belong, only to discover in time that I've always belonged to myself.
I dedicate this play to my husband and soulmate, John Rudolph.
