I began playing the flute at age ten (see my “About” page for more about my life in music). From the moment I held the instrument, something clicked. The sound, the way music arises in the soul, moves through the body, and into the world—it captivated me completely.

From that moment forward, music became a central part of my identity. I pursued my craft with dedication and discipline, performing whenever I could. Along the way I won concerto competitions, performed as a soloist with orchestras and bands, held first chair positions in ensembles, and presented my own concerts from the age of ten to completing my degree in flute performance.

After my studies, life took an unexpected turn. I succumbed to societal pressures and pursued the “stability” of a steady paycheck from a prominent company.. I stepped away from the music world and entered the corporate field of Mergers & Acquisitions. By many external measures the path was successful, and it provided stability and financial reward. But something essential was missing and I decided I couldn’t live without it.

Even during the years at the firm, the flute never truly left my life. I continued practicing, continuing to return to the instrument that had shaped me since childhood. Over time it became clear that music was not simply something I did—it was something I was meant to return to as my life’s work.