Q- How long have you been singing?

A - I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I sang at home with my two sisters and brother and occasionally my father would pick up his guitar, playing one of his three known chords and we all joined in on his favorite "Two Little Bugs" song. He was also fond of the classic Folk tune, "Four Strong Winds". I sang that more than once when company came, with accompaniment by my Dad and his three chords.

Q - Who are your musical influences?

A - My first and most significant influences are, once again, family related. Both my Grandmothers were singers, one entertained during the war and the other sang with the Sweet Adelines, community groups and churches throughout her life. My Grandfather was a great musician and played the violin, clarinet, banjo and piano by ear. Neither of my parents sang but my Mom claims that she "gave up her voice for me". I am forever grateful for that gift! As for the pros, so many different singers have influenced me; it's hard to narrow it down. I grew up listening to Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and Linda Ronstadt. As for current artists, I'm a big fan of Diana Krall, Ranee Lee, and Dee Dee Bridgewater of the Jazz world. I also love the Barenaked Ladies, Loreena McKennitt and Mandy Patinkin.

A - It's all about connection. You must first connect your voice to the song, and ultimately, the song to the audience. I believe that a truly great performance involves sharing a part of your soul with others, that's what makes music a universal language. The expression through your instrument, whether it's a voice, a trumpet or a piano, transcends boundaries of language or culture and communicates to people on an emotional level.

Q - How do you choose your repertoire?

A - I love pretty melodies and interesting lyrics. A lot of my rep is rooted in the musical theatre world and the popular music of the 30's, 40's and 50's. As for pop music, the same rules apply. If a certain song touches me, I am usually compelled to sing it.

Q - What are the differences between Musical Theatre singing styles and Jazz/Pop music? What about the business side?

A - The technique in vocal production is essentially the same in all genres. However, the subtleties of singing on a microphone are more exposed than on stage. No one hears you breathe or swallow in a 2200 seat theatre but they sure will on a mic. As for show business, you must keep in mind that it is, in fact, a business. I think the key to longevity is to diversify and that's what I try to do. I utilize my talents and skills in the best way that I can and therefore keep myself open to a wide range of possibilities.

Q - What was it like performing in The Phantom of the Opera?

A - Spending over five years as the Princess and Carlotta understudy in Phantom has been a highlight of my career. It was great to have some stability and a steady pay cheque for all that time. It gave me an opportunity to hone my craft as a performer and meet and work with some incredible people. Toward the end of the run of the show, we had guest Phantoms who performed for six or eight weeks while the rest of the company remained the same. During that time, I had the great good fortune to work with the incomparable talents of Jeff Hyslop, Rene Simard, and Paul Stanley of the rock group Kiss.

Q - What do you do when you're not singing?

A - I listen to music a lot, read and write. I love to spend time with my family, although lately it’s been via email as I’ve just recently moved with my husband to Dubai which is a wonderful place, but far away from home. My husband is a pilot and we are really enjoying the opportunity to travel and see the world. I’m also working on my green thumb on my patio garden, trying to figure out what will grow in the desert, besides cacti.

Q - What plans do you have for the future?

A - The more life I live, the more I realize the future is impossible to plan, however, as for dreams, I hope to continue performing where and whenever possible both onstage and in the studio. I would also like to continue my writing. Some day I’d like to write a great musical that’s produced and enjoyed around the world.

Q - What is your motto in life?

A - Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others! Also, I try to accentuate the positive whenever possible. Even when times get tough, I see the cup as half full and whenever I truly need a piece of chocolate, I eat it!