About Me
Once upon a time...a love for music was born..
Music has pretty much been a part of my life since I was born. But it wasn’t until I was 19 that I first discovered the thrill of singing before an audience. It was Christmas Eve in my church and I was singing “Silent Night” with the vocal group. There was something so magical about singing that song on that night, and it definitely changed everything for me. At the time I was a visual arts major in college, but after that night, I switched my major to music performance and have never looked back or regretted that decision. I knew in my soul that this was what I was meant to do, that this was the direction that God had been trying to “nudge me in” for awhile – I was just too scared (and stubborn) to listen.
Once I made the commitment, however, I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough of everything music had to offer. I completely lost myself in all of the beautiful and complex arias my voice teacher had me learn. Opera was all I cared about at that time. It’s safe to say that my social life became pretty much non-existent, but I didn’t care. I had more fun listening to and learning opera arias, and doing music theory homework than going out partying.
After college, I joined a local professional choir and was given the soprano solo in Mozart’s Regina Coeli. This was an exceptionally huge honor for me as we would be performing it in Mozart’s birthplace
in Salzburg as well as in Vienna, Austria and in Prague, Czech Republic. This was my first time venturing over seas and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I still to this day, have not been able to find a cappuccino as delicious as the one I had in a little outdoor cafe in Vienna. The food and the shops were also incredible. Someday I hope to go back there.
Since then, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities in my music journey and I am eternally grateful for each one. Whether it was directing a small church choir, playing the lead in a musical theatre show, singing at a wedding or as a soloist in church, or teaching beginning voice and piano – it all has been a blessing to me.
Music has always been a good friend to me when I was “down” – helping me cope with depression, break-ups, and loss of loved ones. Singing allowed me to channel and release my emotions, instead of holding them in as I was known to do. Lately, it’s been helping me cope with physical pain as well as mental/emotional.
Since COVID, I have mostly been doing things musically online – which may not give me the same thrill as live performing, but it’s definitely a bit more relaxed. Right now, I am taking an online course on Music Therapy, as well as getting my online studio ready to start teaching again! I can’t wait to share all that I am learning with you!
Brie xo
A few of my favorite things
Music Edition
Favorite genres to sing:
Renaissance, Baroque, Classical & Bel Canto
Favorite Composer:
Mozart
Favorite Opera:
Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)
Favorite Opera Singer:
My voice teacher!
Best Advice from a Vocal Teacher:
Be you & sing the music you love!
Art Song(s) I need to learn:
Siete canciones populares Españolas by de Falla
A few more odds & Ends....
Random facts about me
- I believe that music is not just something enjoyable to listen to…I believe it has the power to heal us in many, amazing ways…
- I first became interested in using cleaner, more eco-conscious products through an esthetician I met who informed me that what I was using on my skin was causing & making my acne worse. After talking to her, I fell down the rabbit hole of educating myself on every single thing I was putting in and on my body. It was definitely enlightening!
- I grew up in and lived most of my life in the city, but recently my hubby and I moved out to the country and I can’t ever imagine living anywhere else!
- We have 3 cats, 4 parakeets and a whole lot of wild and woodland creatures living on our land. I feel like a literal Disney Princess!
- My husband is my best friend and forever “crush” – after 15 years of marriage, I still get butterflies when I look at him!
- I’ve dipped my toes in pretty much every art form (not always successfully) but have had one of my paintings in a local art gallery, sang on a few Christmas CD’s, and one of my poems has been published.
- In another life, I wanted to be a comic book artist/writer.
- I love pizza, fries and avocado and could eat them every day!
- My heritage is a mix of Hispanic, British, Irish, Scottish, French & German. I’m working on a project to honor all of those through music.
- My favorite movie genres are horror, sci-fi and action/superhero.
- I love both DC and Marvel!
- I had spinal fusion surgery in 2013 – the doctor told me they used cadaver bone to fuse to my spine – I don’t know if he was joking, but I tell everyone I am part zombie. 😛
- I’m addicted to both Food Network and HGTV – I’m obsessed with the holiday competition shows and the design styles of Joanna Gaines & Mina from Good Bones!
- I am a huge bookworm – my knickname in college was “Belle”
- I struggle with adrenal, thyroid and hormone issues. They’re getting better through naturopathy, diet & music therapy, but I still have a long way to go.
- I can be more indecisive than Kourtney Kardashian
- My relationship with God is one of the most important things in my life and I try and read scripture verses everyday.
- I’m the most socially awkward person I know..I’m definitely the most clumsy!