A Musician…
A Musician’s Journey: From Classical Roots to Traditional Irish Tunes
Music has always been at the heart of my life. I grew up surrounded by it—whether it was my father’s Beatles and Bach records, the British folk rock of his youth, or the Irish traditional music and ballad singing of my mother’s side of the family. In my hometown of Boscobel, Wisconsin, music filled every corner, from local rock and roll and country bands to the iconic “Irish Tabernacle Choir” at the Catholic Church, performing classic Irish-American songs. Even the old German and Scandinavian Lutheran church choirs offered a unique musical experience, blending Danish melodies that were nostalgic to my father, an immigrant from the Danish island of Bornholm.
My musical journey continued through high school, where I was active in music programs, followed by my studies in classical and jazz music at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. During my time there, I worked as the Performing Arts Series Coordinator, helping to expand the university's performing arts offerings and bringing high-quality musicians and dance companies to the region. While a student, I performed in choirs, bands, and symphonic groups, playing clarinet and saxophone. I also had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in London, England, at St. Mary's College in Strawberry Hill, which led to years of bouncing between England, Ireland, and Wisconsin. Along the way, I earned a Bachelor’s in History from UW-Platteville, a Certificate Degree in Celtic Studies from UW-Milwaukee, and an Irish Music Certificate from the Irish World Music Academy at the University of Limerick. I even completed a Gaelic Language Immersion program at Oideas Gael Irish Language Center in Glencolumcille, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
In 2008, I was honored to be recognized as a semi-finalist in A Prairie Home Companion's "Top Talents in Their 20s" talent show, selected as one of 30 talented musicians from across the United States. Since then, I’ve performed all over Wisconsin, playing with bands such as "The Coughlins," "Pogue Mahone," "The Tullamore Dudes," "The Handful of Earth Band," "The Lilies of the Midwest," and "Bi Dana." As an active solo artist, I’ve also performed extensively at The Irish Cottage in Galena, IL, often inviting regional Irish musicians to join me for collaborative performances.
Throughout my journey, my musical repertoire has expanded beyond traditional Irish ballads to include a wide range of instruments, from tin whistle and bodhrán to guitar, bouzouki, saxophone, mandolin, harmonica, and even the occasional accordion or concertina. And whatever other fun instruments or objects I can find to bang, strum, or blow on, I’m always ready to make music!
Music is the thread that ties everything together in my life, and I’m constantly inspired to share this joy with others, whether performing with a group or as a solo artist. Let the music play on!
